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Category: Energy

  • TCN Clears Illegal Structures Near Tower 31 on Ugwuaji–Makurdi 330kV Transmission Line

    TCN Clears Illegal Structures Near Tower 31 on Ugwuaji–Makurdi 330kV Transmission Line

    By Jabiru Hassan

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has cleared illegal structures encroaching on its transmission line Right of Way (RoW) near Tower 31 of the Ugwuaji–Makurdi 330kV Double Circuit transmission line in Enugu State, as part of efforts to safeguard power infrastructure and public safety.The demolition exercise took place at Akpuoga Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area, where fences and other unauthorized structures were erected dangerously close to the high-voltage transmission tower. TCN also removed similar encroachments along the corridor of a 132kV transmission line in the area.

    According to the company, the illegal structures posed serious safety risks to residents and obstructed access for routine maintenance and emergency repairs by its technical personnel.TCN explained that the exercise followed repeated sensitization and warning campaigns aimed at educating residents, traders, and developers on the dangers of building or carrying out activities within transmission line corridors.

    The company stated that the demolition became unavoidable in order to prevent potential accidents, protect lives and property, and ensure uninterrupted access for linesmen during inspections and fault repairs.“Structures built within transmission corridors endanger lives and compromise the reliability of power supply,” TCN noted, stressing that strict enforcement of safety regulations is necessary to protect critical national infrastructure. TCN further reminded the public that approved Right of Way clearances must be observed for all transmission lines. For 330kV transmission lines, the required clearance is 50 metres, consisting of 25 metres on each side of the line. For 132kV transmission lines, the approved clearance is 30 metres, or 15 metres on each side.

    The company warned prospective land developers and residents to verify land status before construction and to strictly comply with RoW regulations to avoid future losses.TCN reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring reliable power transmission across the country, emphasizing that compliance with safety clearances around transmission lines is essential for stable electricity supply and the safety of host communities.

  • TCN Tower Vandalized on Gombe–Damaturu 330kV Line, Disrupting Power Supply to Northeast

    TCN Tower Vandalized on Gombe–Damaturu 330kV Line, Disrupting Power Supply to Northeast

    By Jabiru Hassan

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported the vandalization of its Tower T347 along the Gombe–Damaturu 330kV transmission line on Friday, October 24, 2025, around 5:46 p.m.

    In a statement issued by the company, TCN disclosed that its maintenance team, during a routine inspection of the transmission route, discovered that the tower’s legs had been severed by vandals, causing it to tilt dangerously to one side.

    The company said the incident led to a partial disruption of bulk power supply to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, as well as surrounding communities.

    Despite the setback, TCN assured the public that electricity supply to Maiduguri and its environs is being sustained through the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP). The MEPP currently supplies power to the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), which distributes electricity to key areas through major 33kV feeders, including Beneshiek, Damasak, Bama, University, Campus, Maiduguri Town, and Monguno, among others.

    Similarly, Damaturu and neighboring areas will continue to receive power supply from the Potiskum Substation pending the completion of repair works on the vandalized structure.

    According to the statement, TCN engineers are already on-site, working to replace the damaged tower and restore full transmission along the Gombe–Damaturu 330kV line. The company assured that every effort is being made to expedite repairs and minimize the impact on electricity consumers in the affected states.

    TCN condemned the act of vandalism, describing it as a major threat to the stability and reliability of the national grid. The company appealed to residents and community leaders along transmission line routes to help protect public infrastructure.

    “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office,” the statement added.

    The company reiterated its commitment to ensuring stable and reliable power transmission across Nigeria while calling for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to curb recurring cases of vandalism on power infrastructure.

  • Gov. Ododo Launches Rural Electrification Project for 30 Kogi Communities

    Gov. Ododo Launches Rural Electrification Project for 30 Kogi Communities

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Friday launched the first phase of a statewide rural electrification project with the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500kVA transformers across 30 communities in the state’s three senatorial districts.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the official flag-off ceremony was held at the Government House in Lokoja. Governor Ododo described the initiative as a significant step toward fulfilling his campaign promise to light up rural communities and empower citizens through improved access to electricity.

    He emphasized that the distribution process would be guided by fairness and balanced development across the state.

    “In the spirit of fairness and equity, I have directed that these 30 transformers be equitably distributed across the three senatorial districts,” Ododo stated.

    The governor explained that the electrification project was not merely about providing power but also about investing in the socioeconomic growth of Kogi communities.

    “Electricity is critical to our industrial drive and our determination to light up rural areas to enhance livelihoods and agriculture. This project is about lighting lives, powering education, supporting healthcare, and strengthening community security. Every part of Kogi State matters,” he said.

    Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing development projects that have a direct and lasting impact on the people. He assured residents that subsequent phases of the rural electrification programme would cover more communities across the state.

    The governor also urged community members to take ownership of the project by safeguarding the electrical equipment from vandalism and ensuring their proper use for the collective benefit of all.

    Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Abdulmutalib Mohammed, said the project aligns with the ministry’s mandate to improve living standards in rural areas. He explained that transformer allocation was based on a technical assessment of community needs submitted to the ministry.

    Engr. Mohammed commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of rural dwellers, many of whom had endured years of unreliable or nonexistent power supply. He added that the project represents a new chapter in the state’s commitment to sustainable rural development and energy access.

    The Phase One electrification rollout is expected to strengthen economic activity, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve social services such as education and healthcare in the benefiting communities.

    Governor Ododo concluded by reiterating that his administration would continue to pursue inclusive projects that promote equity, development, and prosperity for all citizens of Kogi State.

  • CSOs fault DAPPMAN’s ₦75 per litre coastal freight cost demand

    CSOs fault DAPPMAN’s ₦75 per litre coastal freight cost demand

    Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) and Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF) on Friday accused the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) of seeking to exploit citizens and plunge the nation back into subsidy fraud.

    According to the civil society groups, DAPPMAN’s demand of ₦75 per litre for coastal freight and ops cost, translating to ₦1.505 trillion, is self-serving and nothing but greed. While calling on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to beam its searchlight on DAPPMAN, as the activities are undermining local refining, sabotaging Dangote Refinery from the start and threatening the Federal Government’s Reform Agenda.

    The CSOs made this known in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman and Mrs. Grace Okonkwo, President and National Secretary of COCSON, respectively; As well as Rev. Dr. Matthew Ayodele and Imam Musa Abdullahi, National Chairman and Secretary of NIF, respectively, in Abuja.

    The concerns raised by the group were accompanied by a protest march in the nation’s capital on Friday, September 26, 2025.

    While backing the Dangote Refinery’s genuine efforts in transforming the Petroleum Industry, the groups vowed to file a suit against DAPPMAN in the Federal High Court for economic sabotage, conspiracy, and deliberate attempt to reintroduce subsidy through the backdoor.

    The statement reads: “We condemn the shameful attempt by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to blackmail Nigerians into paying a backdoor subsidy of ₦1.505 trillion annually.

    “This demand is not just outrageous; it is treachery against the Nigerian people. It is economic sabotage disguised as business.

    “At such a critical time, for DAPPMAN to demand that Nigerians underwrite their inefficiencies with ₦1.5 trillion yearly is nothing but wickedness. It would rob our hospitals of funding, deny schools resources, cripple infrastructure development, and keep our nation shackled to poverty. This is not subsidy — it is extortion.”

    On why DAPPMAN must be checked by the government, the groups maintained that the body had become a national threat.

    “They Undermine Local Refining: Dangote Refinery has exported over 3.2 million metric tonnes of refined products in three months, proving capacity. Meanwhile, DAPPMAN imported 3.6 million metric tonnes, promoting dumping and sabotaging Nigeria’s economy.

    “They Sabotaged Dangote from the Start: When Dangote Refinery was completed, the refinery had over 500 million litres of products in stock, and Dangote himself had to plead publicly with NNPC, marketers, and transporters to patronize him. Instead, they deliberately imported products from abroad to frustrate his operations.

    “Faced with this sabotage, Dangote was forced to buy over 4,000 trucks to enter the oil transport sector. Who pushed him into this? Not Nigerians, but the very marketers and transporters now crying foul.

    “Today, these same actors accuse him of chasing them out of the market to create a monopoly. Where is the monopoly?

    “They abandoned him, tried to strangle his refinery, and left him no option but to strategize for survival. If they are not careful, he may enter retailing, and then he will fully integrate production, transport, and retail. That is not a monopoly; that is resilience and strategy in the face of cartel sabotage.

    “They Threaten Tinubu’s Reform Agenda: Entertaining such demands would roll back the government’s courageous removal of fuel subsidy and tarnish Nigeria’s international credibility.

    “Fellow Nigerians, this is not just a fight for Dangote Refinery. This is a fight for Nigeria’s future. This is a battle between nation-builders and nation-wreckers, between patriots and profiteers, between hope and despair.

    “DAPPMAN’s demand for ₦1.505 trillion subsidy is a declaration of war on the Nigerian people. Our response is clear: we will resist, we will mobilise, we will litigate, and we will not rest until this cartel is defeated.

    “We urge the Federal Government to stand firm, Nigerians to stand united, and Dangote Refinery to stand strong. Together, we will ensure that no group, no cartel, and no vested interest will derail Nigeria’s refining revolution.”

  • TCN Denies Explosion at Onitsha Sub-Region, Clarifies Cause of Outage

    TCN Denies Explosion at Onitsha Sub-Region, Clarifies Cause of Outage

    By Jabiru Hassan

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has debunked claims by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) that an explosion occurred at its Onitsha Sub-Region station, insisting the report was false and misleading.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, TCN said the misinformation stemmed from EEDC’s publication of August 27, 2025, regarding the recent power outage in Anambra State and Oji River in Enugu State.

    According to TCN, the actual cause of the partial loss of power at the 330kV switchyard in Onitsha on August 21, 2025, at about 2:34 a.m., was an insulation flashover of a porcelain insulator (P1) on the red phase jumper conductor to bus bar 1, following heavy rainfall.

    The company explained that power supply was restored by 5:54 p.m. the same day, noting that it had already scheduled an outage for August 31 and September 1, 2025, to replace the faulty stack porcelain insulators.

    “We clarify that there was no explosion of equipment or loss of switchgear at the TCN Onitsha Sub-Region,” the company said.

    TCN further urged EEDC to ensure accuracy in its public communications, stressing that deliberate misinformation or propaganda was “unprofessional and unacceptable.”

  • KEDCO, Haske Solar Seal 10MW Power Deal

    KEDCO, Haske Solar Seal 10MW Power Deal

    Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has commenced the offtake of 10 Megawatts (MW) of solar power from the Haske Solar Plant in the Challawa Industrial Cluster, Kano.

    The development follows the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Haske Solar Company Ltd, a plant built by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). The plant, commissioned in January 2023, is already operational.

    KEDCO’s MD/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, and MOFI’s Executive Director for Portfolio Management, Mr. Tajudeen Datti Ahmed, signed the agreement in Abuja. The signing was witnessed by the Managing Director of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya.

    Dr. Jimeta described the partnership as a major step toward providing reliable and sustainable electricity. “By integrating solar power into our supply mix, we are not only improving network efficiency but also contributing to Nigeria’s energy transition goals,” he said.

    He explained that the offtake had already begun through the Abattoir Injection Substation, with supply to industrial customers within the cluster via NBC 11kV and Ceramic 11kV Feeders.

    Engr. Yahaya, MD/CEO of FEA, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transforming KEDCO and expanding renewable energy adoption. “Through innovative solutions and partnerships, we aim to lead the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development,” he said.

    KEDCO commended the Federal Government, NSIA, MOFI, and the Kano State Government for the implementation of what is now Nigeria’s largest grid-connected solar plant. The company said more renewable energy projects are under review as part of its wider diversification strategy.