TCN Declares Force Majeure as Storm Ravages Birnin Kebbi-Niamey Power Line Raymond Enoch
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared Force Majeure following the collapse of three transmission towers along the critical 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line, disrupting bulk electricity transmission to Niger Republic.
The incident, which occurred on August 26, 2026, has affected power transmission to Niamey through the cross-border electricity link, TCN Management signed the statement dated August 28, 2026.with TCN attributing the collapse to heavy rainfall and a windstorm in the affected area.
According to a statement issued by TCN Management on Friday, the Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line tripped at about 5:38pm on August 26.
TCN said a trial reclosure was subsequently attempted at 6:03pm, but the line tripped immediately, prompting the deployment of its linesmen to conduct a fault-finding patrol.
The patrol led to the discovery of the collapsed towers at Chibike village, where towers T109, T110 and T111 were found to have fallen.
The development has effectively interrupted the transmission of bulk electricity from Nigeria to Niamey through the affected line, underscoring the vulnerability of critical regional power infrastructure to extreme weather events.
TCN, however, said it had immediately mobilised personnel and resources to the affected location and commenced efforts towards rehabilitating the damaged transmission infrastructure.
“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,” the transmission company said.
The declaration of Force Majeure formally recognises circumstances beyond TCN’s control that have affected its ability to maintain normal transmission service on the line.
TCN expressed regret over the disruption and its potential impact on customers in Niamey, assuring that every effort was being made to restore normal electricity transmission as quickly as possible.
The Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line is an important component of Nigeria’s regional electricity connectivity, linking Nigeria’s power transmission network with Niger Republic and supporting the broader West African ambition of strengthening cross-border electricity trade.
The latest incident therefore comes at a time when regional power interconnection remains central to efforts to deepen electricity cooperation and improve energy security across West Africa.
