The Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria and other relevant agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of an inter-agency committee set up to tackle the recurring grid collapses in Nigeria’s power sector.
The directive follows a recent disturbance in the national grid, which occurred at approximately 11:29 am on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
The disruption was caused by a sudden rise in the grid frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. The incident prompted a response from the Ministry of Power, with Adelabu emphasizing the urgency of addressing the root causes of the grid failures, according to Channels TV.
The Minister’s order came after the committee’s findings were submitted on November 6, 2024. According to the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, Hon. Bolaji Tunji, the committee’s recommendations are comprehensive and are expected to provide lasting solutions to the recurring power grid collapses, both in the short and long term.
The recommendations of the committee are far-reaching and will proffer lasting solutions to the incessant power grid collapses that we have embarrassingly witnessed in the country in the immediate and long term”, Bolaji said.
Meanwhile, the TCN has appealed for the understanding of Nigerians as repair work is set to begin on critical parts of the national grid. TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, explained that while repair efforts are underway, intermittent disruptions may occur as part of the recovery process. The company is working to restore full stability to the grid, with recovery efforts already underway following Thursday’s disturbance.
TCN’s public statement clarified that the frequency spike was triggered by issues at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be temporarily shut down to avoid further complications. The company has since restored power to the Abuja Axis and is continuing recovery operations across the network.
In addition to addressing the immediate disturbance, TCN is carrying out significant repair work on key transmission lines and substations, including the 330kV transmission line along the Shiroro–Mando axis, upgrades at the Jebba Transmission Substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to implement the recommendations from the committee’s investigative report on previous grid collapses.
TCN has acknowledged that while repairs and upgrades are in progress, some degree of instability in the power system is expected until the work is completed. The company has asked for the public’s patience and understanding as it addresses both technical issues and the long-standing challenges of grid stability. The TCN remains committed to improving the reliability of the national grid to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that the national grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 am this morning, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. Recovery efforts began immediately, and the Abuja Axis was restored within minutes. Recovery is still ongoing.
“The frequency spike was caused by issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications.
“In addition to this, TCN is actively engaged in significant repair work on several 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.
“Furthermore, 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 being made to close the gaps highlighted in the report, and to enhance the overall stability and resilience of the grid. These efforts include both technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations”, Mba said, adding that “however, it is important to note that while these repairs and improvements are underway, some degree of instability in the system is likely to persist until all major works are completed. TCN acknowledges the impact of these disruptions and kindly asks for the understanding and patience of the public during this challenging period.
“The company remains committed to improving the reliability of electricity supply, recognising the vital role that stable power plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. TCN assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the grid’s long-term stability, in line with the recommendations of the investigative committee, while also addressing infrastructure damage such as vandalized transmission lines,” the statement reads.
