TCN completes repair of vandalised transmission line in north-east

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has completed the rehabilitation and restringing of the four vandalised towers along the Jos-Gombe 330 kilo volt (kV) transmission line supplying bulk power to substations in the northeast.

TCN made the announcement on Tuesday in a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, its general manager of public affairs.

On April 23, four towers along the Jos–Gombe 330 kV transmission line were vandalised — affecting the electricity supply to Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi, and Jalingo.

However, on May 17, the North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) called out TCN expressing their disappointment over the blackout experienced by the region the previous month.

TCN had assured NEGF that it was working very hard to meet the May 27 deadline, but could not meet up due to another collapse during repair.

In a new development, the transmission company said the restringing of conductors had been fixed and completed on June 3.

TCN added that the contractors have reconnected the jumper on tower 282, making it ready for bulk electricity transmission.

“Recall that when the vandalized towers were discovered on April 22, 2024. TCN promptly mobilized contractors and TCN supervising engineers to the site of the incident to immediately commence repairs,” the company said.

“Initially, TCN had promised to complete the repairs and restore supply by May 27, 2024. However, the collapse of the fourth tower during the re-stringing process delayed the completion. 

“The four towers have since been completed, and the line is now ready for bulk power transmission”

TCN also said the company appreciated the patience and support of the governors and people in the northeastern part of the nation during the tower reconstruction work.