Blackout hits Abuja over vandalization of TCN’s tower

Parts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, are experiencing blackout and drop in power supply on Wednesday over the vandalization of Transmission Company of Nigeria’s tower 70 along the 33kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to her, the company’s tower was vandalized around 11:32 pm on Monday.

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She added that the incident had reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the power volume into Abuja by 250MW.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that Tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada -Katampe Transmission line has been vandalized, with the tower standing precariously on the ground.

“The sad incident occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm. At the time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by TCN Operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.

“The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four (4) tower footings of Tower 70 were vandalized, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.

“The incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW.

“Meanwhile, TCN has mobilized to the site of the incident and has commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.

“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or the nearest TCN offices nationwide”, it stated.

News Telly recalls that since December, power supply in Nigeria has dropped nationwide.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had attributed the drop in power supply to gas constraints.

Meanwhile, efforts to solve the challenge, including setting up a committee, have yet to yield results.