Rising Fire Incidents Spark Fears Over TCN’s Equipment Quality

In recent times, Nigeria has experienced a surge in fire incidents across transmission substations, raising apprehensions about the quality of procurements made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). This has ignited worries among stakeholders regarding the stability of the country’s struggling national grid and the overall power sector.

The fires, occurring in critical power infrastructure locations such as Lagos, Kebbi, and Niger states, have led to the collapse of the national grid on multiple occasions. The resulting consequences include significant power supply disruptions for Nigerians and substantial damage to power infrastructure valued in billions of Naira.

One major concern is the lack of transparency surrounding the causes of these fire incidents. Despite their considerable impact on the nation’s economy, the TCN often provides brief statements, leaving many questions unanswered.

A recent report alleging violations of the Public Procurement Act by TCN’s Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, has added fuel to the fire. The report claimed a contract award worth N5,677,692,943.26 in November 2023, but the TCN vehemently denied these allegations.

Experts attribute the escalating frequency of fire incidents to substandard installation equipment, counterfeit line materials, supply of undersized transformers, delivery of refurbished critical equipment, and the overall challenges within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

For instance, the fire incident at the Transmission Substation in Maryland, Lagos State, on December 16, 2023, was explained by the TCN as the result of aging and insulation failure in equipment manufactured in 1983. Similar incidents in Kebbi and other locations further emphasize the urgency of addressing the root causes.

Engr Peter Ekwesor, former MD of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), points out that the standard of critical electricity equipment is a significant factor contributing to these incidents. He highlights a lack of development in the power sector, noting that privatization, implemented a decade ago, has failed to yield the expected results.

Professor Yemi Oke, an electricity law expert, underscores the need for standardization in electricity installations, while Kunle Olubiyo, president of the Nigerian Consumer Protection Network, blames the supply of substandard materials. Olubiyo calls for third-party verification, stress tests, and proper capacity tests to ensure the quality and safety of electricity installations.

As concerns mount over the reliability of TCN’s procurements and the overall state of the power sector, calls for improved regulation, transparency, and investment in quality infrastructure are gaining momentum. The government is urged to address these issues to safeguard the stability of the national grid and ensure uninterrupted power supply for the Nigerian populace.