TCN Declares Force Majeure as Storm Collapses 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Tower By Raymond Enoch
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a Force Majeure on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line following the collapse of a transmission tower during heavy winds and rainstorms in the area.
The affected line, identified as 2KNJ–BRK1, tripped at about 10:44 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, prompting TCN to attempt a trial reclosure at 11:07 p.m.
However, the line tripped again, leading TCN linesmen from the Birnin Kebbi Sub-Region to commence a fault-finding patrol along the transmission corridor.
The patrol team on Tuesday, September 8, discovered that Tower T367 had collapsed, with preliminary findings linking the incident to severe weather conditions, particularly heavy winds and rainstorms.
TCN said the incident has affected the transmission of bulk electricity through the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi corridor, necessitating the declaration of Force Majeure due to the natural disaster responsible for the damage.
The company, however, said it had commenced arrangements to mobilise personnel, equipment and other resources to the affected location to rehabilitate the collapsed tower and restore the transmission line to service as quickly as possible.
Despite the damage, TCN said it had successfully maintained electricity transmission to Sokoto through an alternative transmission arrangement.
According to the company, the Talata Mafara–Sokoto corridor is currently receiving supply through an alternative transmission path from the Kaduna-Mando axis via the 132kV Zaria–Funtua–Gusau transmission line.
TCN expressed regret over the inconvenience the incident may cause electricity consumers and other stakeholders within the affected areas.
The transmission company assured the public that it was deploying every necessary effort to restore normal bulk power transmission along the affected corridor within the shortest possible time.
The latest incident comes as another reminder of the vulnerability of critical power transmission infrastructure to extreme weather events, particularly during periods of intense wind and rainfall.
