The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been addressing concerns regarding the frequent national grid collapses. Sule Abdulaziz, the Chief Executive Officer of TCN, has emphasized that the company should not be held solely responsible for these failures. He explained that grid collapses can result from a variety of issues across the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors.
Sule Abdulaziz stated, "TCN is in charge of the grid but if there’s a system collapse, it doesn’t mean that all the problems are from TCN." He highlighted that some of the equipment used by TCN is between 40 to 50 years old, which contributes to the challenges faced in maintaining a stable grid. This outdated infrastructure necessitates massive investment for upgrades and maintenance.
Abdulaziz pointed out that while there have been recent disturbances, such as those occurring twice within a week, reports of a grid collapse on October 15 were incorrect. He clarified, "On Monday, we were trying to restore the grid, then we had some setback, and that is when we had to start all over again, but it wasn’t a collapse."
To address these issues, Abdulaziz stressed the importance of continuous investment in Nigeria's transmission infrastructure. He noted that most maintenance efforts are funded through internally generated revenue, with some projects supported by the federal budget. "Continuously, we build new substations, we buy spare parts and change some of the outdated [equipment]," he said, indicating a gradual approach to modernization.
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