- Transmission Company of Nigeria confirmed an investigation into multiple power disturbances, which were reported on Monday and Tuesday
- According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, recovery efforts started immediately with support from the Azura power station
- Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu denied claims of a grid collapse, stating that the issue was due to a line tripping
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the power grid did not collapse. This counters earlier reports indicating that it had collapsed again on Tuesday amid ongoing restoration efforts following the initial breakdown on Monday evening.
Adelabu clarified that the incident was not a grid collapse but a line tripping in specific areas across the country during an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, October 15.
Weather and infrastructure issues led to line tripping, Adelabu explains
“There was no grid collapse; there was a trip-off. When you talk of grid collapse, it will involve 100 per cent of our grid infrastructure. But this was a line tripping in certain quarters in the country; even the major centres were not affected, talk of Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan. And this was even restored within two hours.
“Let me tell you, grid disturbances are global. We are talking about electrical connections. There could be tripping off due to weather, due to the dilapidation of some infrastructure. What matters most is what is your rate of response to fix this. We responded swiftly, and within two hours, we brought it back, and it’s working now. So, it’s no big deal,” Adelabu stated.
Bulk power following grid collapses, TCN confirms
However, in response to the power outage, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it would investigate the multiple grid collapses reported on Monday and Tuesday.
According to TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, recovery efforts started without delay, supported by the Azura power station’s blackstart. However, at about 10:24 AM on Tuesday, recovery was significantly advanced when an unexpected challenge arose, causing a minor setback.
“The slight setback notwithstanding, TCN continued with the grid recovery process, which has reached an advanced stage, ensuring bulk power availability to about 90 per cent of its substations nationwide. Supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centres nationwide,” Mbah stated.
TCN to investigate grid incident following complete restoration - Mbah
Mbah noted that the Ibom Gas generating station, which was isolated from the grid on the previous day, was unaffected by the partial disturbance. It continued to deliver power to areas in the South-South, including Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and the Itu 132kV transmission substations.
“Investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out as soon as the grid is fully restored,” Mbah stated.
“He thinks it’s a great job”: Mixed reactions as Power Minister claims over 40% improvement.
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Chief Adebayo Adelabu of the Ministry of Power announced that over 40% of Nigerians are experiencing significant improvements in electricity supply.
However, this has met mixed reactions as Consumer Advocates and some members of the public have strongly opposed the Ministry’s claim, while some others confirm the electricity improvement.