The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed the delayed restoration of the Apir-Ugaji power line to security challenges in the area. TCN’s Managing Director, Engr. Abdulaziz Sule explained during a press briefing on Tuesday that the engineers repairing the line work under the protection of security personnel must leave the site by 6 p.m. for safety.
He emphasized that the Apir-Ugaji line is a critical alternative route for supplying electricity to major northern cities, including Kano and Kaduna. The line’s restoration is expected within two to three days.
Engr. Sule highlighted that the damage caused by vandals to the line, which serves as a backup when the Shiroro-Mando line is out of service, has severely disrupted power delivery to the region. “Unfortunately, the Ugwaji-Apir line was vandalized. We have two lines, and both were targeted. One of the lines had nearly five spans of its cables cut,” he said.
He further added that military escorts are required for the engineers to work safely. “By 6 p.m., our team has to leave the area and return to a secure location before resuming work the next morning.”
Sule provided an update on the repair progress: “Line one, capable of carrying 400 megawatts, will be operational between today and tomorrow. Line two, which suffered more extensive vandalism, will be restored by Sunday, five days from now.”
The MD also reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the problem of vandalism. “We are working closely with local communities and security agencies, including the civil defence, police, and army, to patrol the transmission lines. Additionally, we engage with locals, providing them with transport and communication tools to alert us if they notice any suspicious activity.”
He concluded that once both lines are restored, TCN would be able to supply around 500 to 600 megawatts to the northern region, significantly improving power distribution in the area.
