… as TCN completes repairs on vandalized Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV line

… uncertainty looms over full power restoration as TCN expedite repairs on vandalized Shiroro-Mando line

Oredola Adeola

Partial restoration of bulk power supply has been achieved, therefore reconnecting electricity back to the northern regions of Nigeria that had experienced a blackout for over ten (10) days.

Advisors Reports gathered that this restoration, completed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Wednesday, October 30, has re-established power to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, confirmed the restoration in a statement, in sync with the assurance he gave on Tuesday, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power promising that electricity would be restored within three days.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, also in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports also confirmed that bulk power supply was resumed in several affected areas as of 4:56 pm on Wednesday.

According to her, with the completion of repairs on the vandalized section of the line, the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 is now operational, restoring power to the affected states.

She also mentioned that TCN’s engineering team is preparing to commence work on the second 330kV transmission line, with all necessary materials for repairs already available and security arrangements underway for personnel safety at the site.

Advisors Reports gathered that the TCN has continued efforts to restore full power to northern states affected by the recent vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando 330kV transmission line.

Although partial power restoration has been achieved through repairs on the Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV line, the timeline for full restoration across all impacted areas remains uncertain as TCN battles challenges with the more severely damaged Shiroro-Mando line.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) is coordinating a joint operation involving the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), headquartered in Kaduna, and the Nigerian Army to provide surveillance and security for the 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2.

The Shiroro-Mando line, which supplies bulk power to regions including major parts of the North including Niger Republic, has been repeatedly targeted by vandals, necessitating TCN’s collaboration with security agencies to protect the infrastructure and ensure the safety of personnel.

Minister Adelabu emphasized the urgent need for enhanced protection of national infrastructure against vandalism by bandits and terrorists.

He highlighted ongoing efforts in collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other security agencies to prevent future incidents.

“The situation in the north, while unfortunate, is not a result of grid collapse but of deliberate sabotage and vandalism,” Adelabu stated.

“The Shiroro-to-Mando transmission line, supplying power to Kaduna, was attacked by bandits.

“Although similar incidents have occurred before and repairs were carried out discreetly, this time the damage is severe, with contractors being threatened.

“This prompted us to enlist the NSA and security agencies to secure and restore the line,” Adebayo said.

In response, the Minister outlined an alternative power supply route through Bauchi, which has also been subject to vandalism but is considered more manageable to repair.

Advisors Reports gathered that the crisis began last week when vandals destroyed multiple towers on the 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2, vital for delivering bulk power to northern states.

The vandalism caused significant disruptions in Kano, Kaduna, and neighboring areas, as confirmed by TCN.
In response, TCN diverted power through the Ugwuaji-Makurdi 330kV line to mitigate the impact.

However, the alternative line tripped on October 22 due to a fault near Igumale in Benue State, resulting in the loss of 468 MW of power, worsening the already dire situation.