Incessant Grid Disturbance : Minister Calls For Implementation Of Inter-agency Committee Recommendations

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN) and other relevant agencies of the Ministry of Power in Nigeria, have been ordered to implement the recommendations submitted by the inter-agency committee, set up to address the incessant grid collapses in the power sector.

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gave this directive in Abuja, the nation’s capital, when he received the report of an investigative committee which he set up to unravel the causes of incessant grid collapses in the power sector as well provide actionable recommendations.

The Minister’s matching order came as the TCN reported that the national grid experienced a disturbance at about 11:29 am, on Thursday, 7th of November , 2024, which was caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

The Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, Bolaji Tunji quoted the Minister, saying that “all relevant agencies in the ministry must brace up for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the committee, which was submitted on Wednesday, November 6, 2024”

“The recommendations of the committee are far reaching and will proffer lasting solutions to the incessant power grid collapses that we have embarrassingly witnessed in the country in the immediate and long term”, Bolaji said.

Meanwhile, in a statement by General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, earlier stated that the agency was working to ensure the full and immediate implementation of the recommendations of the committee, to safe Nigeria from the incessant grid collapses.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that the national grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 am this morning, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. Recovery efforts began immediately, and the Abuja Axis was restored within minutes. Recovery is still ongoing.

“The frequency spike was caused by issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications”

She noted that TCN is actively engaged in significant repair work on several 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”

According to her, 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.

She stressed that Efforts are being made to close the gaps highlighted in the report and to enhance the overall stability and resilience of the grid.

“These efforts include both technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations”.

“however, it is important to note that while these repairs and improvements are underway, some degree of instability in the system is likely to persist until all major works are completed”

Mrs Mbah said she acknowledges the impact of these disruptions and kindly asks for the understanding and patience of the public during this challenging period.

“The company remains committed to improving the reliability of electricity supply, recognizing the vital 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 recommendations of the investigative committee, while also addressing infrastructure damage such as vandalized transmission lines” she added.

Olusola Akintonde