The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has vowed to implement a backup system to prevent frequent national grid collapses, which would shield Nigerians from widespread blackouts. Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz attributed the collapses to antiquated infrastructure, some of which dates back 50 years ¹.
To address this, TCN is working on a scatter system for the entire network, funded by the World Bank, with completion expected within two years. As of now, 70% of the project is done. Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of upgrading transmission lines, leveraging partnerships with private companies to secure funding, as government resources are limited ¹.
The “super grid” concept, currently awaiting presidential approval, would enable seamless switching between transmission lines in case of faults, thereby minimizing disruptions. Abdulaziz stressed the need for continuous investment in critical electricity infrastructure, acknowledging that electricity production is challenging, which is reflected in the tariffs ¹.
Interestingly, he claimed that citizens on Band A enjoy 24-hour electricity, although this assertion has been disputed by many residents. Despite the tariff hike, Abdulaziz pointed out that Nigeria’s electricity rates remain lower than those in neighboring countries like Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso ¹.
This move comes amidst concerns over the frequency of grid collapses, with some experts blaming poor communication between system operators and substation managers ². Others argue that the issue is systemic, with distribution companies (Discos) shouldering significant responsibility due to underinvestment in their networks ².
