BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has ordered the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies of the ministry to immediately implement the recommendations submitted by the inter-agency committee.
The Minister had on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 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 approximately 11:29 am, on Thursday, November 7, 2024, which was caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The national grid in the morning of Thursday experienced system outage for the second time in less than 72 hours, causing power outages across the franchise areas of the distribution companies (DisCos).
The Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, Hon. Bolaji Tunji, in a statement quoted the Minister as saying that all relevant agencies in the ministry must brace up for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the committee.
“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, TCN issued a statement on Thursday, signed by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah. The statement provided updates on the grid disturbances and assured ongoing repair works.
According to TCN, “The frequency spike was caused by issues encountered at one of our substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications.
“In addition to this, we are actively engaged in significant repair work on several critical transmission lines and substations. This includes the 330kV transmission lines along the Shiroro–Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba Transmission Substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line.
“Furthermore, following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, we have begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system. 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,” it’s stated.
However, the transmission company clarified in its update that while these repairs and improvements are underway, some degree of system instability is likely to persist until all major works are completed.
Acknowledging the impact of these disruptions, the company called 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.
“We assure 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,” TCN assured.
