Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Nigeria Experiences Nationwide Blackout as Labour Unions Shut Down National Grid

In a significant escalation of industrial action, the Nigerian National Grid has been shut down by electricity operators in solidarity with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress’s ongoing strike. The dramatic reduction of electricity generation from 2,805.59 megawatts at the start of the strike to a meager 28 MW by early morning signals a nationwide energy crisis.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) made an official announcement regarding the grid shutdown instigated by union actions:

Official Statement by the Transmission Company of Nigeria states:

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public of a deliberate shutdown of the national grid caused by Labour Union operations, leading to a countrywide blackout. The shutdown transpired around 2:19 am on 3rd June 2024.”

“Initial reports from our Benin Transmission Operator indicated a forcefully vacated control room by 1:15 am, where staff faced physical altercations, resulting in injuries for those resisting expulsion.”

READ MORE: Soyinka Moves To Reapply For US Permanent Residence Following Trump’s Conviction

“Affected through this strike, various transmission substations including Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, and Osogbo were left unmanned, with numerous transmission lines disengaged.”

The labour union’s intervention also saw generating stations reducing their operational capacity, notably the Jebba Generating Station, which had one unit forcefully halted, followed by three others due to frequency issues caused by unforeseen load cuts. This sequence of events precipitated the grid’s collapse at 2:19 am.

Efforts to recommence grid operation began at 3:23 am, focusing on re-energizing transmission lines via the Shiroro Substation aimed at restoring power to the Katampe Transmission Substation. Despite these attempts, union actions continue to impede the grid’s recovery process.

TCN remains committed to restoring and stabilizing the grid to resume the regular transmission of electricity to distribution centers across the nation as swiftly as possible.

Ndidi Mbah

GM, Public Affairs

Date: 3/5/24

As the situation develops, the TCN is working diligently to navigate through the blackout and ensure the resumption of normal power services. The nation watches as this unfolds amidst the broader context of the labour strike, awaiting further updates from the involved authorities.

Hot this week

Tinubu Blocks AU Proposal to Split Political Affairs and Security Department

President Bola Tinubu has rejected a proposal to divide...

How Nigeria Spends ₦407 Billion on Fuel Imports in 12 Days

Nigeria's state-owned oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company...

Nigeria to Boost Lagos-Kaduna Freight Rail to Full Capacity by Q2 2025

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is ramping up freight...

Nigeria Halts Implementation of 4% FOB Charge to Refine Customs Framework

The Nigerian government has suspended the implementation of a...

Standing for Truth in a World of Deception – Mark Idiahi

In a generation where moral relativism and "wokeness" are...

Jimoh Moshood Appointed Lagos Police Chief Amid Rising Security Concerns

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Moshood Jimoh...

JAMB Warns Universities Against Fake A’Level Admissions, Threatens Sanctions

Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued...

South Africa Weighs Nuclear Bids from Russia and Iran, Risking U.S. Fallout

South Africa is considering bids from Russia and Iran...

NDLEA Cracks Down on Trans-Border Drug Cartel, Seizes 190,960 Tramadol Pills

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency has dismantled a major trans-border drug...

WAEC 2024 Results: 67.55% of Private Candidates Secure Five Credits or More

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the...

Tinubu Blocks AU Proposal to Split Political Affairs and Security Department

President Bola Tinubu has rejected a proposal to divide...

Dangote Group to Invest $400M in Ethiopia Cement Expansion Amid Market Growth

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is doubling down on...

Djibouti’s Youssouf Secures AU Commission Chair, Pledges Security and Unity

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has emerged as...

Related Articles

Popular Categories