The 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states.
By Victory Oghene
After 10 days of blackout,
electricity has been restored in some states under the Jos Electricity Distribution franchise.
The power was restored at approximately 7:20 pm. on Wednesday.
Recall that for the past 10 days, several northern states have been plunged into darkness following the tripping of the 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states.
Consequently, residents of the affected states lamented the severe impact of the blackout on their daily lives and business.
On Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had said his principal was leading efforts to end the disruption that has paralysed social and economic activities in the North, summoning the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.”
According to Onanuga, the President directed the Minister of Power and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states.
“President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and willful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.
“In a meeting with the Minister of Power, who briefed on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the President directed a long-term solution to the problem,” the presidential aide said.
The statement quoted President Tinubu to have charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.
“To ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.
“President Tinubu implores traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.
“He said the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities,” the statement added.
In the same vein, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, said that it had successfully restored bulk power supply through its 330KV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission Line 1 to seven northern states, following the repair of the line.
TCN, in a statement by General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed that repair works on the line were completed at 4:56 p.m., on Wednesday.
She stated that “With the restoration of this line, the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 is now operational.
“Also, bulk power transmission has been restored to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states.
“Restoration efforts continue, with the TCN engineering team preparing to commence work on the second 330kV transmission line.
“All necessary materials for the repairs are on hand. And work will begin as soon as the site is secured for the safety of our personnel to the affected sections of the vandalized 330kV transmission line two.
“In the meantime, teams of linesmen will re-patrol the 330kV Line 2 to ensure that no other sections are impacted as the repair works progress.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our engineers work diligently to restore the 330kV transmission line 2.
“TCN recognizes the importance of electricity in our daily lives and is committed to ensuring that this line is repaired swiftly, thereby increasing the bulk power to the area affected by the incident,” she stated.
Fifteen northern states have been without grid power supply following attacks by bandits on the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines and vandal attacks on the Ugwuaji-Apir Transmission lines.
