TCN Triggers Force Majeure as Birnin Kebbi–Niamey Power Link Towers Fall

Nigeria's Transmission Company (TCN) has formally invoked a Force Majeure clause concerning its 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission infrastructure. This action follows the catastrophic failure of three crucial transmission towers along the route.

The incident, which saw the power line trip, first occurred on August 26, 2026, at precisely 5:38 PM. A subsequent attempt to restore power through a trial reclosure at 6:03 PM proved unsuccessful, as the line immediately tripped once more.

Investigations by TCN linesmen, who conducted a fault-finding patrol, revealed that towers T109, T110, and T111 had given way in Chibike Village. The company, through its official X handle on Friday, attributed these collapses to intense rainfall and powerful winds that swept through the area.

The company confirmed that this significant damage has directly impacted "bulk power transmission to Niamey through the line." In response, TCN has promptly deployed its workforce and essential equipment to the affected location to commence urgent repair operations.

"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," the statement read. Expressing profound regret for the disruption, especially to its customers in Niamey, TCN provided assurances that "every effort is being made to restore normal supply promptly."