Nigeria Nationwide Blackout: TCN Confirms Grid Shutdown Amidst Labor Strike

TCN confirms nationwide blackout amidst labor strikes demanding a new minimum wage. Workers' union shutdown of the national grid plunges Nigeria into darkness, impacting essential services. Despite TCN's efforts to restore power, labor obstruction persists. The blackout exacerbates tensions as the nation grapples with uncertainty amidst ongoing labor unrest

Amidst ongoing labor strikes across Nigeria, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed a nationwide blackout following the shutdown of the national grid by its workers' union. Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, disclosed this alarming development in a statement issued on Monday.

Mbah revealed that the shutdown occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m., plunging the entire nation into darkness. According to her statement, the Benin Transmission Operator reported that operators were forcibly removed from the control room by the labor union around 1:15 a.m. This led to the closure of several transmission substations, exacerbating the blackout.

Furthermore, Mbah highlighted the impact on power-generating units, with some forced to shut down due to the strike. The Jebba generating station experienced the closure of one unit, followed by three others due to high frequency. This sudden load cut led to system instability, ultimately resulting in the shutdown of the national grid.

Despite TCN's efforts to initiate grid recovery using the Shiroro substation, Mbah noted that the labor union's obstruction continues to impede progress. However, TCN remains committed to restoring normalcy and stabilizing the grid to facilitate the distribution of electricity nationwide.

The blackout comes amidst nationwide strikes initiated by labor unions, demanding a new minimum wage and a review of electricity price increases. Despite unsuccessful negotiations between the government and labor representatives, the unions have proceeded with the strike, impacting various sectors including healthcare, education, and transportation.