Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are bracing for power disruptions this weekend, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) embarks on critical maintenance work on two of the city’s major power substations. The planned outages, affecting key areas like Gwagwalada, Wuye, and Life Camp, are expected to cause temporary blackouts for several hours.
The maintenance, scheduled for December 28 and 29, 2024, will involve repairs on essential power transformers and their associated switch gears at two transmission stations – the Gwagwalada 330/132/33kV substation and the Kukwaba 132/33kV substation.
Power Outage Timeline: What to Expect
According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, the maintenance will occur in two distinct phases. On Saturday, December 28, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, engineers will focus on the 60MVA power transformer at the Gwagwalada substation. This maintenance will result in a four-hour power outage in the Gwagwalada area and its surrounding regions.
The following day, Sunday, December 29, will see another round of maintenance, this time at the Kukwaba substation. From 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, one of the 60MVA power transformers will undergo essential repairs, leading to interruptions in power supply across several locations. These areas include Wuye, EFCC, Federal Medical Centre, Coca-Cola, Idu Railway Station, Citec, and Life Camp.
In her statement, Mbah acknowledged the inconvenience the maintenance may cause, particularly during the busy holiday season. “We understand the frustration that power outages can cause, especially during this time of year when many people are preparing for end-of-year celebrations,” she said. “However, this maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance of our power equipment and to prevent larger, more disruptive outages in the future.”
Context and Importance of Maintenance
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is responsible for the country’s high-voltage transmission network, plays a crucial role in the delivery of electricity to millions of Nigerians. Its substations and transformers are key components in ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. However, like any large-scale infrastructure, these facilities require periodic maintenance to prevent equipment failures, which could lead to more prolonged and widespread blackouts.
For Abuja, one of the country’s most important political and economic centers, power reliability is a top priority. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of power outages across the city, with residents and businesses alike expressing frustration over frequent disruptions. While the maintenance may cause temporary inconveniences, experts say that without these essential repairs, the risk of more extensive power failures could increase.
Residents and Businesses Brace for Impact
For residents in affected areas, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Some acknowledge the need for maintenance but are concerned about the timing of the outages, given that the end-of-year period is typically a high point for social gatherings, travel, and business activities.
“I understand that maintenance is necessary, but the timing couldn’t be worse,” said Grace Obinna, a resident of Wuye, one of the areas slated for power interruptions on Sunday. “I have family visiting for the holidays, and now we have to plan our activities around these power cuts. It’s very inconvenient.”
Similarly, local businesses in the affected areas are preparing for the impact of the outages. “As a small business owner, I rely heavily on electricity, especially during the festive season,” said Chidi Okafor, who runs a store in Life Camp. “This will definitely affect our sales, but we just have to make do with the situation.”
Abuja DisCo, the electricity distribution company serving the FCT, has also issued a statement reassuring consumers that it will work closely with TCN to minimize the duration and impact of the outages. “We understand the challenges that come with power interruptions, particularly during this period,” said a representative from Abuja DisCo. “We ask for our customers’ patience and understanding as TCN carries out these necessary repairs.”
A Broader Look at Nigeria’s Power Sector Challenges
This planned maintenance in Abuja is part of a broader effort to address ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s power sector, where inadequate infrastructure, outdated equipment, and a lack of consistent funding have long hampered the delivery of reliable electricity. Despite efforts to modernize the grid, many parts of the country still experience frequent blackouts, leaving residents and businesses struggling to cope with the inconsistent power supply.
The issue has also sparked debates over Nigeria’s power privatization efforts. In 2013, the Nigerian government sold off a significant portion of the country’s power assets, including distribution and generation companies. However, privatization has not led to the desired improvements in power supply, and many Nigerians are frustrated by the lack of tangible progress in the sector.
TCN’s Strategic Investments for the Future
Despite the challenges, TCN has been making strides to modernize Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure. Recent efforts have focused on expanding the grid, upgrading transformer capacities, and implementing better maintenance practices. In 2024, the company inaugurated two new mobile substations, aimed at improving power supply to critical areas across the country, including the University of Ibadan in Oyo State and communities in Ogun State.
Furthermore, TCN has stated that these maintenance efforts in Abuja are part of a larger nationwide strategy to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the transmission system. By performing regular maintenance and upgrading key substations, the company aims to reduce the frequency and severity of power disruptions, even as the demand for electricity continues to rise across Nigeria.
