Why National Grid Collapsed – TCN Explains

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed Thursday’s National Grid collapse to a sudden frequency spike from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

In a statement, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah explained that the disturbance, which marks the second grid collapse in three days, began at approximately 11:29 AM on Thursday.

Recovery efforts were immediately initiated, and the Abuja Axis was restored within 28 minutes. However, recovery work is still ongoing.

Mbah further clarified that the frequency surge was linked to issues at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent additional complications.

The company highlighted its ongoing repair efforts, including work on the 330kV transmission lines along the Shiroro-Mando axis, significant upgrades to the Jebba Transmission Substation, and restoration of the second Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV transmission line.

“Following the submission of the investigative report on previous grid collapses, we have begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system,” Mbah added. “We are working to close the gaps and improve the stability and resilience of the grid through technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations.”

However, TCN warned that some instability may persist as repairs continue, urging the public to remain patient during this challenging period. The company reassured that efforts to enhance the grid’s long-term stability, including addressing infrastructure damage from vandalism, are underway.

Thursday’s collapse adds to the mounting cases of grid failures in Nigeria. Earlier this week, a similar collapse on Tuesday resulted in widespread blackouts across the country. TCN attributed that incident to a series of line and generator failures that caused grid instability and a partial disturbance of the system.