JUST IN: TCN declares force majeure after 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi transmission tower collapses

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ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a Force Majeure Event on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line following the collapse of a transmission tower, resulting in a blackout for electricity consumers in the affected axis.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, TCN said the transmission line tripped at 10:44 p.m. on Monday, September 7, after which a trial reclosure was attempted at 11:07 p.m. but the line tripped again.

Following the second trip, linesmen from TCN’s Birnin Kebbi Sub-Region conducted a fault-finding patrol along the transmission corridor.

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The team on Tuesday discovered that Tower T367 had collapsed.

TCN said preliminary findings indicated that the collapse was caused by heavy winds and rainstorms experienced in the area.

The incident has affected the transmission of bulk electricity through the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi transmission corridor.

“Consequently, and in view of the natural disaster that caused the damage, TCN hereby declares Force Majeure on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line,” the company said.

TCN said it had commenced arrangements to mobilise the necessary personnel, equipment and other resources to the affected location to rehabilitate the collapsed tower and restore the transmission line to service as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, the company said it had successfully maintained electricity transmission to Sokoto by enabling the Talata Mafara–Sokoto corridor to receive supply through an alternative transmission path from the Kaduna-Mando axis via the 132kV Zaria–Funtua–Gusau transmission line.

TCN apologised for the inconvenience caused to electricity consumers and other stakeholders affected by the incident, assuring the public that efforts were ongoing to restore normal bulk power transmission as soon as possible.