The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of the inter-agency committee set up to address frequent grid collapses in the country’s power sector.
The directive comes after TCN reported a disturbance in the national grid on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:29 a.m., caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications, Bolaji Tunji, stressed the importance of swiftly acting on the committee’s recommendations, which were submitted on November 6, 2024. The recommendations are aimed at providing long-term solutions to the recurring power grid collapses.
The committee identified poor maintenance, ageing equipment, and high voltage levels exceeding equipment capacity as key factors contributing to recent grid failures, including blackouts on October 14 and 19, 2024.
The committee’s chairperson, Nafisatu Asabe Ali, on Wednesday, noted the deterioration of critical infrastructure such as the Jebba substation, which was commissioned in 1968, and stressed the need for a review of maintenance practices, equipment, and coordination.
“For the incident on the 14th, lightning arresters in Jebba and Oshogbo shattered. The one in Jebba was for the shunt reactor, and this was caused by high voltage,” she noted. “Subsequently, we had the tripping of multiple 330kV lines. This continued until it became a major event.
“If equipment is exposed to high voltage for extended periods, the insulation degrades, increasing the risk of failure. This was a contributing factor, but the underlying issues include aged equipment. Our findings confirmed that Jebba was commissioned in 1968.
“And some of the equipment was installed alongside the substation. So, ageing equipment and maintenance practices are concerns. The relaying philosophy, settings, and coordination also need to be reviewed, with high voltage in Jebba being a significant factor.”
TCN, in a statement, assured the public that efforts are underway to restore uninterrupted power supply.
The company said it was working to implement the committee’s findings, which include upgrading key transmission lines and substations, adding that it was also addressing weaknesses identified in the transmission system to improve grid stability.
Despite ongoing repair work, TCN acknowledged that some instability may persist until all upgrades are completed but urged the public to remain patient as the company works to enhance the reliability of the national grid.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that the national grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 a.m. this morning, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. Recovery efforts began immediately, with the Abuja Axis restored within minutes. Recovery is ongoing.
“The frequency spike was due to issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications.
“In addition, TCN is actively undertaking significant repair work on critical transmission lines and substations. This includes the 330kV transmission line along the Shiroro–Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba Transmission Substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line.
“Following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, TCN has begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system. Efforts are underway to close the gaps highlighted in the report and to strengthen the grid’s stability and resilience. These efforts include technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations,” Mbah said.
