The Nigerian Power Consumers Forum (NPCF) has attributed the recent grid collapse in the country to sabotage by criminal elements who may not have the nation’s best interests at heart, according to a statement by Mr. Michael Okoh, the Convener of the NPCF.
He stated that the grid collapse was not a result of a lack of capacity on the part of the power company but rather a case of deliberate sabotage by criminals. “The fire incident at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation switchyard appears to be more of an act of sabotage on the national grid systems,” he declared.
Okoh, citing power engineers with decades of experience, explained that it was highly unlikely for two power transformers situated a reasonable distance apart to catch fire simultaneously, as transformers are equipped with built-in protection systems. He suggested that saboteurs might have tampered with transformer components to disrupt the electricity flow.
He pointed out that this was not the first time critical national infrastructure had been sabotaged, mentioning incidents such as oil theft damaging pipelines and hacking of power transmission towers. He expressed concerns that such incidents could tarnish the reputation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The grid collapse resulted from a fire at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation and a line snap along the 330 kV Jebba – Kainji transmission line. These events caused nationwide power outages, which Okoh believed were intended to discredit TCN’s management.
Okoh noted that Niger Republic received bulk power from a 150MVA lower transformer in the Birnin Kebbi substation, underscoring the substation’s importance nationally and internationally. He called for a thorough investigation to identify and bring the saboteurs to justice.
The NPCF acknowledged TCN’s efforts in maintaining grid stability for over 400 days, including the deployment of new power transformers and projects aimed at improving electricity access. The forum urged TCN to continue investing in transmission networks and safeguarding substations against further sabotage.
