The Labour Union has deliberately shut down Nigeria’s national grid, leading to a nationwide blackout. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that the grid was brought to a halt at approximately 2:19 am on June 3, 2024.
According to a statement by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the incident began around 1:15 am when the Benin Transmission Operator, part of TCN’s Independent System Operations unit, reported that union members forcibly removed operators from the control room. Those who resisted were assaulted, with some sustaining injuries. This disruption led to the Benin Area Control Centre being rendered inoperative.
The shutdown extended to several other key transmission substations, including Ganmo, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo. Additionally, the union’s actions resulted in the opening of various transmission lines, further destabilising the power network.
The impact was felt on the power generation side as well. Generating stations were forced to shut down units, including a significant reduction in output at the Jebba Generating Station. The sudden load cuts triggered high frequency and system instability, culminating in the collapse of the national grid at 2:19 am.
Efforts to restore the grid began around 3:23 am, with TCN attempting to use the Shiroro Substation to supply electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. Despite these efforts, the Labour Union continues to obstruct grid recovery efforts nationwide.
The TCN has assured the public that it is working tirelessly to stabilise the grid and restore normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution centres across the country.
Mbah emphasised the company’s commitment to resolving the crisis and restoring power as quickly as possible.