TCN Confirms Collapse of Jos–Gombe 330kV Transmission Line, Three Towers Destroyed

By Milcah Tanimu

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the collapse of tower T290 along the Jos-Gombe 330kV transmission line, which was one of the four new towers erected by TCN contractors. This incident occurred during the cable stringing process at around 7 a.m. on May 27, 2024. Additionally, three more towers along the Bui-Damboa 132kV transmission line have collapsed due to vandalism.

In a statement released late Monday night, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, detailed the circumstances of the tower collapses and the ongoing challenges faced by the company. Despite the security challenges in the area, TCN contractors and engineers, accompanied by security operatives, worked tirelessly to expedite the project, often working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mbah explained that the collapse of the fourth tower is a significant setback, especially since it occurred during the final stage of cable stringing, which was meant to enable the energizing of the line. The contractor is now dismantling the collapsed tower to allow for its reconstruction and the final restringing of the cable.

Moreover, TCN revealed that three additional towers (T1690, T1691, and T1692) along the Biu–Damboa 132kV transmission line were also vandalized, resulting in the theft of 16 spans of conductors and the towers’ collapse. The vandalism was discovered by the TCN patrol team last Friday.

In another incident, the TCN patrol team discovered that tower T540 along the Makurdi–Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line had been vandalized, with sections of the tower removed. Although the tower remains standing, emergency repairs have been contracted to prevent its collapse.

Mbah emphasized the importance of collective efforts in protecting the country’s power infrastructure. “We reiterate our commitment to restoring normal bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North East and other areas affected by vandalism. There is, however, an urgent need for everyone to join hands with TCN in protecting our collective assets by being vigilant and reporting any suspected acts of tower and line vandalism promptly,” she said.

This series of setbacks highlights the ongoing challenges TCN faces in maintaining and securing Nigeria’s power transmission infrastructure, especially in regions prone to vandalism and security issues.