The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced plans to implement a backup system to prevent nationwide blackouts in the event of future national grid collapses.
This announcement was made by the company’s Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Abdulaziz attributed the frequent grid collapses to the country’s aging infrastructure, some of which has been in use for over 50 years.
He mentioned that TCN is currently working on a scatter system to enhance network stability, a project funded by the World Bank and already 70% complete.
Once the scatter system is fully implemented, it will significantly reduce system disturbances.
The TCN boss also emphasised the need for ongoing investments in electricity generation and transmission infrastructure.
He highlighted efforts to mobilise funds through partnerships with private companies and revealed plans to establish a super grid, which would provide an alternative transmission line in case of faults, reducing the risk of nationwide outages.
Despite these efforts, Abdulaziz acknowledged that Nigerians are paying more for power, explaining that electricity production is costly.
He also claimed that Band A customers now enjoy 24-hour electricity, a statement many residents have contested.
Abdulaziz further noted that, despite the recent electricity tariff hike, Nigeria’s power costs remain lower than those in neighboring African countries like Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
