Sule Abdulaziz, CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), stated that TCN should not bear sole responsibility for the national grid collapses. He highlighted that outdated equipment and issues across the generation, transmission, and distribution systems contribute to these failures, emphasizing the need for ongoing infrastructure investment.
In a recent interview on Channels TV's Sunday Politics, Sule Abdulaziz, CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), emphasized that the TCN should not be solely blamed for the frequent collapses of the national electricity grid. He explained that various factors contribute to these grid failures, including issues in generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
Abdulaziz stated, “While TCN manages the grid, it is essential to recognize that system collapses can stem from multiple sources. Disasters or failures can arise from any segment of the electricity supply chain.” He highlighted that there were two grid disturbances within the past week, though he clarified that a report of a third collapse on October 15 was inaccurate.
He acknowledged the necessity for TCN to enhance its operations but noted that grid collapses have decreased since 2015. “Our records show a significant improvement; for over a year, there were no collapses,” he stated, underscoring the need for ongoing investment in the aging infrastructure, some of which is up to 50 years old.
Abdulaziz called for sustained investment to replace outdated equipment, highlighting that most maintenance is funded through internally generated revenue. “We cannot upgrade everything at once, but we are steadily scheduling maintenance and replacing old equipment bit by bit,” he added, emphasizing a long-term commitment to improving Nigeria's transmission capabilities.
