GRID COLLAPSE: MINISTER DEMANDS SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria and all other relevant agencies of the ministry to immediately implement the recommendations of the inter-agency committee established to address the frequent grid collapses in the power sector.
The minister’s directive followed a report from TCN stating that the national grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, 7 November 2024, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, Bolaji Tunji, the minister urged all relevant agencies to prepare for the immediate implementation of the committee’s recommendations, which were submitted on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
“The recommendations of the committee are far-reaching and will offer lasting solutions to the recurrent power grid collapses that have embarrassingly plagued the country in the short and long term,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, the committee identified poor maintenance culture, inadequate and ageing equipment, and other challenges as the root causes of the multiple grid collapses experienced in recent months.
The committee also reported that high voltage levels exceeding equipment capacity were responsible for the blackouts on 14 and 19 October 2024.
The chairperson of the investigative committee on grid collapse, Nafisatu Asabe Ali, disclosed these findings during the presentation of the report at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
She stated, “For the incident on the 14th, lightning arresters in Jebba and Oshogbo shattered. The one in Jebba was for the shunt reactor, and this was caused by high voltage. Subsequently, we had the tripping of multiple 330kV lines. This continued until it became a major event.
“If equipment is exposed to high voltage for extended periods, the insulation degrades, increasing the risk of failure. This was a contributing factor, but the underlying issues include aged equipment. Our findings confirmed that Jebba was commissioned in 1968.
“And some of the equipment was installed alongside the substation. So, ageing equipment and maintenance practices are concerns. The relaying philosophy, settings, and coordination also need to be reviewed, with high voltage in Jebba being a significant factor.”
The committee highlighted several factors affecting grid management, including vandalism of power infrastructure, lack of free governors at generation plants, uncoordinated maintenance schedules, and inadequate human resources.
Meanwhile, TCN has reassured consumers that efforts are being intensified to restore an uninterrupted power supply.
A statement from Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, on Thursday confirmed that the agency was working towards the immediate implementation of the committee’s recommendations to prevent future grid collapses.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that the national grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 a.m. this morning, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. Recovery efforts began immediately, with the Abuja Axis restored within minutes. Recovery is ongoing.
“The frequency spike was due to issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications.
“In addition, TCN is actively undertaking significant repair work on critical transmission lines and substations. This includes the 330kV transmission line along the Shiroro–Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba Transmission Substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line.
“Following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, TCN has begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system. Efforts are underway to close the gaps highlighted in the report and to strengthen the grid’s stability and resilience. These efforts include technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations,” Mbah said.
He added, “However, it is important to note that some instability in the system may persist until all major works are completed.”
TCN acknowledges the impact of these disruptions and kindly requests the public’s understanding and patience during this challenging period.
“The company remains committed to improving the reliability of electricity supply, recognising the crucial role that stable power plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. TCN assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the grid’s long-term stability, in line with the investigative committee’s recommendations, while also addressing issues such as vandalised transmission lines.”
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