The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure event on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi transmission line after a transmission tower collapsed following heavy winds and rainstorms in the area.
According to TCN, the affected line, identified as 2KNJ–BRK1, first tripped at about 10:44 p.m. on September 7. An attempt to restore the line through a trial reclosure at 11:07 p.m. was unsuccessful, prompting a fault-finding patrol by TCN personnel from its Birnin Kebbi Sub-Region.
The inspection team subsequently discovered that Tower T367 had collapsed. TCN said its preliminary assessment indicated that severe weather conditions, including strong winds and rainstorms, caused the damage.
The collapse has affected the transmission of bulk electricity along the Kainji–Birnin Kebbi corridor, an important part of the country’s electricity transmission network.
TCN said it has begun arrangements to mobilise personnel, equipment and other resources to the affected location to rehabilitate the collapsed tower and restore the transmission line as quickly as possible.
Despite the disruption, the company said it has maintained electricity transmission to Sokoto through an alternative route. Supply to the Talata Mafara–Sokoto corridor is being supported through the Kaduna-Mando axis using the 132kV Zaria–Funtua–Gusau transmission line.
TCN apologised to electricity consumers and other stakeholders who may be affected by the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to restore normal bulk power transmission.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical electricity infrastructure to severe weather and the importance of maintaining alternative transmission routes to minimise disruptions when major infrastructure is damaged.
