TCN: National grid didn’t collapse | Power tripping affected supply

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says reports of a national grid collapse are false.

Earlier on Saturday, media reports had claimed that the country experienced a blackout due to the collapse of the national grid. 

Addressing the issue in a statement, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s general manager of public affairs, said the incident was a mere power tripping at the Benin-Omotosho 330 kilo volt (kV) line.

“Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today, contrary to the widely published misinformation in the media,” the statement reads.

“Earlier today, at about 13:41Hrs, the Osogbo – Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin – Omotosho line. These consequently affected bulk supply to only the Lagos axis alone.

“It is important to clarify that at about 13:00 Hrs, today, just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63MW.

“After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23MW, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse.

“The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras, but these have all been restored except for the Benin Omotosho 330kV line whose restoration is ongoing.

“As TCN continues to work hard to put in place a robust transmission grid, in spite of prevailing challenges. It is imperative that we understand the negative impact of deliberately misinforming the public and the value of disseminating true and verifiable facts.”

Nigeria’s national grid has suffered many collapses in the past year, leading to nationwide blackouts.

In 2024, the national grid collapsed 11 times.

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, on October 17, 2024, said the frequent system failure at the national grid was inevitable due to outdated infrastructure.