In a significant development for Nigeria’s power sector, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the National Grid did not collapse on Saturday, January 11, 2025, but rather experienced a tripping incident. This clarification comes amidst reports that parts of the country were plunged into darkness due to what was initially believed to be a system collapse.
TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah addressed the situation in a detailed statement released on the same day. The company emphasized that the grid’s issues were not as severe as a total collapse, which has been a recurring problem in the past. The incident occurred at approximately 1:41 PM when the Benin-Omotosho line tripped, leading to disruptions in electricity supply, particularly affecting the Lagos area.
Before the tripping, the national grid was generating a robust 4,335.63 megawatts of electricity. However, following the incident, this figure dropped significantly to 2,573.23 megawatts. This drop in generation underscores the fact that while the grid faced challenges, it did not experience a total failure.
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Mbah explained that the tripping event started with the Osogbo-Ihovbor line, which also went down before the Benin-Omotosho line followed suit. The spokesperson reassured the public that the situation was under control and that the affected transmission lines, including Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras, have mostly been restored. The only exception is the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line, which is currently undergoing restoration efforts.
The TCN’s statement is particularly crucial given the history of grid failures in Nigeria. In 2024 alone, the National Grid experienced at least 12 collapses, raising concerns about the reliability of the country’s power supply. The frequent collapses have been attributed to various factors, including vandalism, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient generation capacity.
The tripping incident on Saturday serves as a reminder of the challenges that the electricity sector faces in Nigeria. Despite the assurances from TCN, the public remains wary, having experienced numerous power outages and supply inconsistencies in the past. The government and relevant authorities are under increasing pressure to find sustainable solutions to the ongoing issues plaguing the electricity supply industry.
As the country continues to grapple with its energy needs, the TCN’s proactive communication about this latest incident is a step in the right direction. Transparency about the state of the National Grid is essential in maintaining public trust and confidence in the electricity supply system.
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Moreover, the TCN’s ability to restore power quickly after such incidents is vital for minimizing the impact on businesses and households that rely heavily on a stable power supply. The Lagos area, being one of the most populous and economically significant regions in Nigeria, is particularly sensitive to changes in electricity availability.
The electricity sector in Nigeria is at a crossroads, and the government must prioritize investments in infrastructure and technology to enhance the reliability of power supply. Addressing the issues of vandalism and improving maintenance practices are also critical steps that need to be taken to prevent future occurrences of grid failures.
In summary, while the tripping of the National Grid on January 11 was alarming, the TCN’s swift response and clarification help to mitigate concerns about a total collapse. Moving forward, stakeholders in Nigeria’s electricity sector must work collaboratively to ensure that such incidents are minimized and that the power supply becomes more reliable for all Nigerians.
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