TCN declares force majeure as 3 towers collapse on Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line
TCN declares force majeure as 3 towers collapse on Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line
By Onu Okorie
Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN has declared force majeure on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line following the collapse of three transmission towers, disrupting bulk electricity transmission to the Niger Republic capital.
TCN said the incident occurred on August 26, 2026, after the transmission line tripped at about 5:38 p.m.
According to the company, a trial reclosure was carried out at 6:03 p.m., but the line tripped again instantly, prompting an immediate fault-finding patrol by its technical personnel.
The patrol subsequently discovered that three towers, identified as T109, T110 and T111, had collapsed at Chibike village.
TCN attributed the collapse of the towers to heavy rainfall and a windstorm experienced in the area.
“The incident has affected bulk power transmission to Niamey through the line,” the company said in a statement issued on Friday.
The transmission company said it had mobilised personnel and other resources to the affected site to begin efforts to rehabilitate the collapsed infrastructure and restore the line to service.
TCN assured that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the speedy reconstruction of the damaged towers and the restoration of normal electricity transmission in the shortest possible time.
The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to electricity customers in Niamey, assuring them that efforts were underway to restore normal supply promptly.
The 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line is a key cross-border electricity interconnection through which Nigeria transmits bulk power to Niamey.
