Power

Abuja In Darkness, TCN Silent As Power Relocation Work Misses Deadline

By Sunday Etuka, Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has remained mute over its failure to meet the deadline set for the relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, leaving the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Abuja in darkness.

All efforts made by this paper to get the company to speak on the failure
to deliver the project as promised proved abortive, as the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah refused to speak on the matter.

Recall that the company on the 3rd of this month announced that due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualisation project, it would relocate eight (8) number towers along the Kukwaba/Apo transmission line.

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TCN further stated that the relocation work would necessitate a planned power outage from Monday, 6th January to Monday, 20th January 2025 from 9am to 4pm daily.

This, it said was the estimated duration for the dismantling and construction of the towers as well as restringing of the power cables that would enable resumption of bulk power supply to the Apo Transmission Substation from Gwagwalada Substation.

It also revealed that there would be rationing of electricity supply for Abuja Electricity Distribution Company’s (AEDC) customers in Kubwa, Karu, Maraba, Nyanya,Masaka,Keffi, Kukwaba, and Apo Mechanic, adding that the work would also affect parts of Lugbe, Trademore Estate, Pyakasa, Sabon Lugbe Chika Alaita axis.

It noted that the relocation of the transmission towers was a necessity for the road completion project, assuring that power supply would be restored as soon as the towers relocation and cable stringing are completed.

However, three days after the expiration of deadline set for the completion of the relocation work, no official response from the company to suggest that the project has been completed.

Meanwhile, this paper gathered that the delay was due to shortage of TCN’s engineers.

In a Public Notice to its esteemed customers on Thursday, the AEDC confirmed that the work was still on ongoing, and that it’s working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth completion.

It said, “We understand how important stable power supply is to you, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) continue the relocation of the 33kV Airport Feeder and 132kV Kukwaba/Apo Transmission Line Towers.

“This critical work is still ongoing, and we remain in close collaboration with the relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth completion.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this has caused you and assure you that we will keep you updated as the situation progresses.

“Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better.”

The transmission arm of the power value chain has been in the news for the wrong reasons since last year; ranging from system collapses, to vandalism of power infrastructure and non-payment of contractors as recently alleged by the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero.

He said while the Minister was seeking N8billion to educate Nigerians on the need to pay electricity bills, the contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) who help in delivering capacity are owed over N200 billion (Two Hundred Billion Naira), adding that if not for the intervention of the Unions in the sector in December, 2024, the procurement Committee would have added to this burden by sitting down to award more contracts.

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