The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced plans to implement a backup system aimed at preventing nationwide blackouts in the event of a national grid collapse. TCN’s Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, shared this information during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
Abdulaziz attributed the frequent grid failures to outdated infrastructure, some of which has been operational for over 50 years. He stated, “Presently, we are doing the scatter system for the whole network, which is funded by the World Bank. The project will take two years to be completed, and we have already accomplished 70% of it.”
He further explained that the scatter system, which was recently celebrated in Gwagwalada, Abuja, will significantly reduce the frequency of system disturbances. Abdulaziz added, “We are trying to upgrade all our transmission lines.” Although he acknowledged that the government may not have sufficient funds for the project, TCN has been collaborating with private companies to secure financing.
The TCN Managing Director emphasized the importance of creating a “super grid,” stating that it would allow for alternative transmission lines in the event of a fault. He explained, “Currently, if we have a problem with one line, we have no other line to switch to. With the super grid, even if there is a fault in one transmission line, you can switch to another.”
Abdulaziz highlighted the need for continuous investment in critical electricity generation and transmission infrastructure. He also noted that rising electricity costs reflect the challenges associated with power production. According to him, Nigerians in Band A reportedly enjoy 24-hour electricity service. Despite recent tariff increases, he maintained that electricity in Nigeria remains more affordable than in neighboring countries like Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso.