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Outage Hits Parts Of Presidential Villa, Others As Vandals Steal Power Cable

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Power supply to some parts of the Presidential Villa, Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Utako, and Mabushi have been disrupted.

This followed the vandalism of the 132kV transmission line and the carting away of underground cable supplying bulk electricity to the Central Area transmission substation in Katampe. The vandals also carted away a 40-metre 1x500mm XLPE conductor.

“Consequently, areas experiencing power outage include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of Presidential Villa,” the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement on Friday.

Mbah said the incident impacted eight distribution feeders supplying the Central Area, disrupting over 60 per cent of Abuja’s power supply.

Mbah said the incident impacted eight distribution feeders supplying the Central Area, disrupting over 60 per cent of Abuja’s power supply.

“The vandalism of this critical infrastructure is suspected to have occurred near the Menillum Park axis of Abuja,” Mbah noted, explaining that the perpetrators stole 40 meters of 1x500mm XLPE conductor from the two 132kV transmission lines.

But she said the TCN had already dispatched a team of engineers to restore power to the affected areas promptly.

Mbah appealed to residents in the affected areas to remain patient while efforts to repair the damaged cables are underway.

The TCN GM expressed concern over the ongoing issue of cable vandalism, which continues to disrupt power delivery across the country.

She also called on Nigerians to stay vigilant and protect transmission equipment to prevent further incidents of vandalism.

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Electricity, Cheaper affordable in Nigeria than neighbouring African countries – TCN

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has boasted that the cost of energy in Nigeria is more affordable than several neighbouring African countries.

This is despite the recent hike in electricity tariffs in the country.

The hike, which took effect on April 3, 2024, saw the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised costs for consumers receiving at least 20 hours of power daily, classified under Band A.

The development pushed the tariff from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour, a move that has drawn widespread criticism due to the timing.

Nigerians already grappling with economic hardships following the removal of the petrol subsidy had flayed the increment calling for review.

But speaking on Channels Television, TCN Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, said the price remains lower compared to other African nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.

Abdulaziz explained that Nigerians are paying more for electricity because power production is expensive, citing factors like the exchange rate and the cost of generation.

“Electricity is now expensive in Nigeria, we are feeling it is expensive because we are getting it at a cheaper price. If you go to other African countries… still, now, Nigeria is cheaper.

“Nigerians are getting 24 hours supply (daily), it’s not everybody but those people on Band A, they get 20 to 22 hours,” he stated.

Abdulaziz assured that Nigeria could achieve stable power supply within the next five years, pointing to improvements in electricity supply over the last year.

“If you ask Nigerians, all of them know that there is improvement in power and this improvement is going to continue,” he said.

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Nationwide Blackout Looms As Electricity Workers Plan Strike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) have warned Nigerians of a likely nationwide blackout as electricity workers plan strike over neglect of their welfare.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday begged workers in the sector to suspend their proposed strike which commences today.

The workers were said to be riled over the neglect of  their welfare, with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) directing its members to picket offices of TCN on Tuesday, after which a strike action would begin.

In a memo to its customers, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), said it anticipated that the industrial action, if it goes as planned may lead to disruption of power supply to electricity consumers across the nation.

However, it reassured its customers that it was working with the relevant regulatory authorities and the parties involved to reach an amicable resolution and avert the strike action.

Also yesterday, the Managing Director, TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, in a letter addressed to the workers asked the union to “stay action”, assuring that TCN had taken steps to resolve the issues.

He said: “We are pleased to inform you that management has suspended the proposed interview for those on acting appointment of assistant general, managers and general managers while we conclude discussion with the board.

“On the other two issues — circular from the office of Head of Service (HoS) on stigmatisation of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) staff and payment of entitlement of ex-PHCN staff by market operator — the management has contacted the honourable minister of power for his further action.

“In view of this development, we appeal to your union to stay action; please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

In addition, Minister of State, Jedy-Agba, , in a letter dated August 15, told the union that the ministry was committed to proffering solutions that would be acceptable to all parties concerned.

“May we appeal to your great union to allow us two weeks from the date of this letter to address the issues and come up with proposals toward acceptable resolution of all issues,” he said

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