Grid Collapse: Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Committee’s Report

Following a recent grid collapse, Nigeria’s Power Minister has ordered the immediate implementation of the committee’s recommendations to stabilize the national power grid. Read more on the steps being taken.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister for Power, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant ministry agencies to promptly implement the recommendations made by an inter-agency committee established to tackle frequent grid collapses in the power sector.

This is because the TCN urged Nigerians to be understanding about potential intermittent disruptions as repair work on the grid commences.

The Minister’s corresponding directive was issued after the transmission company announced that the national grid encountered a disturbance at around 11:29 am on Thursday, November 7, 2024. This disruption resulted from an abrupt frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

Hon. Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, relayed that the Minister emphasized all relevant agencies within the ministry must prepare for promptly implementing the committee’s recommendations submitted on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Bolaji stated, “The committee’s recommendations are comprehensive and will offer enduring solutions to the frequent power grid failures we’ve regrettably experienced in the country, both now and in the future.”

In the meantime, TCN has reassured consumers that they are intensifying efforts to ensure a continuous power supply.

On Thursday, Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs for TCN, stated that the agency is actively working to implement the committee’s recommendations fully and immediately in order to protect Nigeria from frequent grid collapses.

READ ALSO: Thursday’s Grid Collapse Caused by Sudden Frequency Rise, Recovery Underway – TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announces that the national grid encountered a disruption at around 11:29 am today due to a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. Recovery efforts started promptly, with power in the Abuja Axis restored within minutes. Efforts are continuing for full recovery across all affected areas.

The frequency spike was triggered by problems at one of TCN’s substations, necessitating its shutdown to avoid additional complications.

Moreover, TCN is heavily involved in major repair projects on several vital transmission lines and substations. These efforts encompass the 330kV transmission line along the Shiroro–Mando route, significant enhancements at the Jebba Transmission Substation, and restoring the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line.

Mba stated that after the investigative report on past grid collapses was submitted, TCN has started addressing the weaknesses identified in the transmission system. They are working to bridge gaps highlighted by the report and improve overall grid stability and resilience through technical upgrades and strategic interventions recommended by the committee. However, he noted that some instability is expected until all major work is finished, acknowledging its impact on users. Mba concluded with an appeal for public understanding and patience during this challenging time as these repairs continue.

The company is dedicated to enhancing the reliability of electricity supply, acknowledging that stable power is crucial for Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. TCN guarantees the public that all essential steps are being implemented to ensure long-term grid stability in accordance with the investigative committee’s recommendations while also addressing infrastructure issues like vandalized transmission lines.