The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has set a target date for the restoration of electricity supply to the North East region, following a destructive attack on transmission towers by vandals.
In a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, it was revealed that the company aims to have power reinstated by May 27, 2024.
Efforts are underway to erect four new transmission towers along the Jos-Gombe axis, which were targeted in the attack. The collapse of these towers had severely impacted several states in the North East, including Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi, and Jalingo.
TCN engineers immediately mobilized to redistribute available bulk supply on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe 132kV line to mitigate the effects of the incident. Simultaneously, work commenced on reconstructing the vandalized towers.
Updating on the progress, TCN reported that one tower is nearing 80% completion, another at 60%, a third at 30%, and dismantling work on the fourth tower has been completed. Additionally, efforts are being made to fabricate and assemble tower members on-site to expedite construction.
Construction work on the Jos–Gombe transmission line, extending supply up to Damaturu and surroundings, is scheduled for completion and energization by May 20. The Damaturu–Maiduguri axis is expected to be completed by May 27.
TCN assured that bulk power transmission would be fully restored on the affected 330kV transmission line by the stipulated date. This would enable Yola and Jos Distribution Companies to efficiently distribute power from TCN substations.
Currently, only 38MW is being supplied to both Jos and Yola Distribution Companies, with each receiving 19MW. Efforts to extend power to Jalingo were hindered by high voltage on the line, posing a risk of system disturbance.
Acknowledging the inconvenience faced by electricity customers in the affected states due to inadequate power supply, TCN pledged to expedite work on the towers to meet the indicated timeframe. They urged patience and cooperation from the public during this period of restoration.
