How armed men damaged electricity power transformer in Kogi – TCN
Armed men, on the night of November 12, 2024, attacked the construction site of the 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:55 PM when the assailants opened fire indiscriminately upon entering the site. This violent intrusion caused security personnel stationed at the site to flee for their safety.
During this attack, a critical component of the infrastructure—a 150MVA power transformer—was significantly damaged. Specifically, the transformer, which was already positioned on its plinth and intended to enhance power supply to Kogi State and surrounding areas, sustained damage that included a ruptured radiator due to gunfire impact.
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In response to this incident, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that they are currently evaluating the extent of the damage in collaboration with the contractor managing the project. This attack is part of a broader trend of vandalism targeting transmission infrastructure across Nigeria, which has been increasingly problematic and detrimental to efforts aimed at improving and stabilizing the national power grid.
The TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, highlighted that such acts of vandalism undermine national efforts to strengthen transmission systems and pose serious challenges to maintaining and expanding power infrastructure throughout the country.
The electricity situation in Nigeria has reached a critical point, with widespread power outages reported across the country. As of mid-October 2024, the Independent System Operator of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) indicated a significant decline in power generation, which began around October 14 and continued into late October. This decline was attributed to multiple factors, including a second collapse of the national grid and ongoing repair works that have left many areas without power for extended periods. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and other regional providers have confirmed these outages, leading to disruptions in essential services such as telecommunications and transportation.
The impact of these power disruptions is profound, affecting both businesses and daily life for millions of Nigerians. Many small businesses are struggling to operate due to reliance on expensive generators, which have become necessary as public electricity supply remains unreliable. For instance, some business owners report spending exorbitant amounts on fuel to keep their generators running, with costs skyrocketing due to fluctuating fuel prices. Additionally, the outages have led to increased security concerns as alarm systems and electronic surveillance become non-functional during blackouts, potentially heightening the risk of criminal activity.
The underlying issues contributing to these frequent outages include aging infrastructure and insufficient investment in the power sector. The Nigerian government has acknowledged that much of the national grid is over 50 years old and requires urgent upgrades. Despite efforts to revamp this infrastructure, challenges such as vandalism of transmission lines further exacerbate the situation. Experts warn that without substantial investment and commitment from both government and private sectors, these electricity disruptions will likely continue to plague Nigeria’s economy and hinder its development.
