TCN DECLARES FORCE MAJEURE ON BIRNIN KEBBI–NIAMEY POWER LINE AFTER TOWERS COLLAPSE

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has declared force majeure on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line following the collapse of three transmission towers.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 5:38pm, when the transmission line tripped. An attempt was made to restore the line through a trial reclosure at about 6:03pm, but it tripped again immediately.

A subsequent inspection by TCN linesmen revealed that towers T109, T110 and T111 had collapsed at Chibike Village. The company attributed the incident to heavy rainfall and strong winds recorded in the area.

According to TCN, the collapse has affected bulk electricity transmission to Niamey through the affected line, disrupting the supply of power to the Nigerien capital.

The transmission company said it had immediately mobilised personnel and resources to the affected location to begin rehabilitation work and restore the damaged infrastructure.

TCN assured electricity consumers in Niamey that efforts were underway to repair the collapsed towers and return the transmission line to service as quickly as possible.

The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the disruption and said all necessary resources were being deployed to accelerate the restoration process.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical electricity infrastructure to extreme weather conditions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

TCN said it would continue working at the affected site until the collapsed towers are rehabilitated and normal electricity transmission through the Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line is restored.