The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has resumed electricity supply to several northern states, following the successful repair of the 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line 1.
Initially established as a backup after the Shiroro-Mando line was vandalized, the Ugwuaji-Apir line also faced vandalism, leading to a 10-day power outage in affected regions.
According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, repairs were completed today, with power restored at 4:56 pm. This restoration has brought the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 back online, facilitating bulk power transmission to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe.
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“The engineering team has mobilized to commence repairs on the second 330kV transmission line, with all necessary materials already in place,” Mbah added.
The power restoration sparked celebrations in many of the affected states, though some areas, including parts of Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa, remain in darkness. The news of restored power in nearby states has raised hopes among these residents, with discussions centered on the possibility of power returning soon.
Sani Bala, Head of Corporate Communications at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), confirmed that supply to the Mando transmission station in Kaduna resumed at 5:29 am through the 330kV Ugwuaji-Makurdi-Jos line 1. “By 5:54 am, supply had also reached Kumbotso transmission station with an initial 10.0MW,” he noted. “Gradually, the megawatts are increasing; we are now on 40MW and have begun picking loads on 11kV and 33kV lines.”
Residents in Damaturu, Yobe State, celebrated the power return, while in Jalingo, Taraba State, brief flashes of electricity were reported in some neighborhoods. “Electricity lasted only a few seconds in the Road Block area and about two minutes in Mile Six before it went out again,” said Yau Ibrahim, a resident of Jalingo.
Jalingo and nearby areas continue to experience prolonged outages, leaving many residents frustrated and awaiting full restoration across the northern region.