Nigerian Power Grid Faces Turmoil as Sabotage Threatens Stability
The Nigerian Power Consumers Forum (NPCF) has expressed its condemnation of the recent disturbances on the national electricity grid, along with the fire incidents that have occurred around power transmission infrastructure. In a statement released by NPCF’s convener, Michael Okoh, the forum raised concerns regarding these incidents, which have come after a period of relative stability lasting over 400 days.
The NPCF has acknowledged the efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to stabilize the grid, including the implementation of the Internet of Things and the deployment of a stop-gap system as a temporary measure while working towards a smart grid system. However, despite these initiatives, the power sector has recently experienced two system collapses due to a fire incident at the BirninKebbi transmission substation and a line snap along the 330kV Jebba-Kainji transmission line, causing nationwide outages.
The NPCF believes that these incidents are aimed at bringing the management of TCN into disrepute. While TCN had successfully maintained grid efficiency for 421 days and had looped the grid in certain areas, the NPCF dismisses any lack of capacity on TCN’s part. Instead, they suspect sabotage by individuals with malicious intent towards the nation.
This is not the first instance of critical national infrastructures being targeted. Reports of oil theft, pipeline ruptures, and hacking of power transmission towers have been on the rise, with TCN documenting over 20 incidents of this nature in the past year alone. The recent fire incident at the BirninKebbi transmission substation switchyard further strengthens suspicions of sabotage, as power engineers with extensive experience state that it is technically implausible for two power transformers, situated a significant distance apart, to simultaneously catch fire.
The situation calls for immediate action to prevent further disruptions to the power grid, secure the infrastructure, and hold responsible parties accountable. The NPCF urges the relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations to identify and apprehend those involved in these acts of sabotage, working towards safeguarding the stability of the Nigerian power supply.
The power sector in Nigeria plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth and development. Continuous sabotage not only disrupts the daily lives of citizens but also hampers industries and investment opportunities. As the nation faces these challenges, it is crucial for stakeholders to collaborate, share intelligence, and implement robust strategies to protect the power infrastructure from malicious attacks.
