The recent collapse of the national grid and subsequent power outage has plunged several northern states into darkness, significantly impacting businesses and electricity consumers.
This situation has also forced a federal high court in Kano to limit its daily sittings to just three hours due to the soaring cost of diesel.
READ ALSO: Northern Nigeria in darkness as power outages persist
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported the outage following the tripping of the 330 kV Ugwaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines 1 and 2 at around 4:53 AM, raising concerns among residents in affected areas.
On Thursday morning, as lawyers and litigants gathered for court proceedings, Justice Simon Ameboda explained that the court would operate for only three hours, relying on generator power. “Cases not ripe for hearing were stood down or adjourned,” Justice Ameboda stated.
An anonymous court staff revealed that the court had spent approximately N1 million on diesel alone in recent days, highlighting the financial strain caused by the power outage.
In response to the power crisis, TCN has identified the fault responsible for the outage on the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double circuit transmission line. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, confirmed that the fault was located in the Igumale area of Benue State. He explained that the issue stemmed from a snapped 330kV transmission line in the swampy forest of Igumale.
Preparations are now underway to gather the necessary equipment and materials, enabling TCN to commence repair work on the transmission lines. As residents and businesses continue to cope with the effects of the outage, authorities remain focused on restoring power as quickly as possible.
