Power restored in Kano, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, others

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced restoring electricity to some Northern states following the successful repair of the 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line 1.

The line, initially intended as a backup power supply for the North after the Shiroro-Mando line was vandalised, also fell victim to vandalism, resulting in a 10-day blackout in affected areas.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, confirmed in a statement that power was restored at 4:56 pm today, marking the completion of repairs.

With this restoration, the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 is now operational, enabling the resumption of bulk power transmission to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states.

Mbah added that TCN's engineering team is set to begin repairs on the second 330kV transmission line, with all necessary materials in place.

The restoration of electricity in the affected states sparked jubilation among residents.

Meanwhile, residents in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa remain in darkness. News of power restoration in nearby states raised hopes in these areas, with groups seen discussing the possibility of electricity returning soon.

The Head of Corporate Communications at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Sani Bala, told Daily Trust that at 5.29 hours on Wednesday Mando transmission station in Kaduna received supply via 330kV Ugwuaji-Makurdi-Jos line 1 and at 5.54hours supply was restored to Kumbotso transmission station in 10.0MW.

"Gradually, the megawatts are increasing as we are now on 40MW and we have started picking loads on 11kV and 33kV lines." Sani Bala added.

In Yobe State's capital, Damaturu, residents celebrated the restoration of electricity, while in Jalingo, Taraba State, brief power flashes were reported in some areas.

According to Yau Ibrahim, a Jalingo resident, electricity lasted only a few seconds in the Road Block area and about two minutes in Mile Six before going out again.

Jalingo and surrounding areas remain in darkness, leaving many residents frustrated by the prolonged outages affecting the northern regions.