TCN Suspends Power Transmission to Niger Republic as Three Towers Collapse

By Adedapo Adesanya

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

In a statement, TCN said that on August 26, 2026, at 5:38 pm, the 132kV Birnin Kebbi – Niamey line tripped. A trial reclosure was carried out at 6:03 p.m but the line tripped instantly.

Business Post reports that the declaration therefore provides a formal basis for TCN to suspend its transmission obligation on that route while the damage is being repaired, rather than treating the interruption as a normal operational failure or deliberate non-performance.

Following the incident, TCN linesmen embarked on a fault-finding patrol and discovered that three towers, T109, T110 and T111, had collapsed at Chibike Village. The collapse was caused by heavy rain and windstorm experienced in the area.

The immediate implication is that bulk electricity transmission from Nigeria to Niamey through the 132kV line has been disrupted, meaning the Niger Republic cannot receive power through that particular transmission corridor until the damaged infrastructure is restored.

TCN has mobilised personnel and resources to the site and will ensure that all hands are on deck to facilitate the speedy rehabilitation of the collapsed towers and return the line to service in the shortest possible time.

“We regret the inconvenience this may cause to our customers in Niamey and assure that every effort is being made to restore normal supply promptly,” TCN said.