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Tag: TCN

  • Senator Shehu Sani Urges Nigerians to Support TCN Efforts Amid Grid Collapse

    Senator Shehu Sani Urges Nigerians to Support TCN Efforts Amid Grid Collapse

    • …As TCN bemoans vandalism in Northern Regions
    • …Unveils SCADA System

    Senator Shehu Sani, a renowned Nigerian senator and human rights activist, has cautioned Nigerians against politicizing the issue of frequent national grid collapse, instead calling for cooperation with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    Speaking to select members of the press in his Abuja office on Saturday, Senator Sani described those calling for the head of the TCN management as “poorly informed.” He highlighted the visible improvements in electricity supply since the arrival of the Minister of Power and the TCN Managing Director.

    Senator Sani emphasized that Nigeria’s power sector has seen significant progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, contrary to previous efforts that saw tens of billions of dollars spent with little result. He questioned why Nigerians are not asking about the current budget allocation for electricity or the private sector’s involvement.

    The senator acknowledged the challenges TCN faces, particularly in the northern region, where according to him insurgency and banditry have ravaged government properties. He urged politicians to stop politicizing grid collapse issues and instead focus on the harsh reality.

    He further warned civil society organizations against exploiting the situation to blackmail TCN management. The senator reiterating that the TCN management should be lauded efforts, urged Nigerians to support them in securing a stable electricity supply.

    Meanwhile the TCN has attributed the recent blackout in the North West region to vandalism and sabotage. Two towers along the 330kv Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines were damaged, disrupting power transmission. TCN engineers have implemented temporary measures to supply bulk power to the affected regions.

    Recall, residents in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano expressed disappointment and frustration with the activities of vandals, calling for stiffer penalties for offenders. They lamented the extra costs of replacing vandalized properties.

    In a significant development, the TCN disclosed that it has unveiled the advanced Supervision Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to manage the national grid. Stakeholders have hailed this move as a commitment to addressing power sector issues.

    As the TCN works to restore power transmission, Nigerians are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may compromise the national grid.

     

     

  • TCN: Coalition Debunks Corruption Allegation Against Engr. Sule Abdulaziz

    TCN: Coalition Debunks Corruption Allegation Against Engr. Sule Abdulaziz

    A coalition of over 180 Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG has debunked and exonerated the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN of any corruption and underhand dealings.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the convener of CSGGG, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, expressed concern over the accusations circulating against the management of the Transmission Company.

    “As CSOs, we are duty-bound to investigate any information we receive and ensure none are unjustly punished without appearing sentimental, self-seeking, or unpatriotic.

    “We have engaged the management of TCN, and it is on record that the MD/CEO is a man who has instilled a standing and verifiable tradition of prudent management of scarce resources, leading to notable achievements.

    “These accomplishments will soon become visible as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, as the decades of rot in the sector can not be wished away overnight,” he said.

    Dominic said the allegations revolve around claims made by an online news outlet, suggesting that TCN’s managing director purchased an exotic car for the Hon. Minister of Power as a bribe.

    He, however, said TCN management clarified that the vehicle was procured as part of official responsibilities to support the minister’s office.

    He further highlighted the challenges facing TCN, including disruptions caused by bandits, gas supply shortages, and unethical conduct by generation and distribution companies.

    “We urge Nigerians to proffer solutions to the problems facing the power sector rather than politicizing them,” he said.

    Ogakwu emphasized that the continuous harassment of TCN’s management is taking an unpatriotic turn. He cautioned against unjust intimidation and harassment, advocating for transparency and adherence to due process.

    He said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of Engr. Sule Abdulaziz’s continuation in the office reflects a commitment to professionalism and diligence in the power sector.

    “We commend and urge the management of TCN to remain committed to fast-tracking solutions to the challenges bedevilling the power sector,” he said.

    The organisation’s stance underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address Nigeria’s power sector challenges and achieve stable electricity supply for all citizens.

  • Mischief Makers Spreading Misinformation Against TCN For Selfish Gains – Bukhar

    Mischief Makers Spreading Misinformation Against TCN For Selfish Gains – Bukhar

    There have been a misinformation and misrepresenting spree by mischief makers against the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for “self-centered goals”, Alhaji Gimba Bukhar, a former staff of the company has alleged.

    Referring to an article on TCN’s procurement process published mid January on an online blog, he said “there is a grand plan by some individuals to distract the progress being made by TCN”.

    “These individuals see nothing good in TCN, they don’t report the achievements being recorded through commissioning of new substations, stringing new lines or upgrading existing substations. And it seems both the writers and the originators of the story do not have or forgot to provide evidence that, all the system collapses being referred to are caused by TCN.

    “For avoidance of doubt, there is no single hard evidence that TCN was responsible for system collapse despite its challenges. Yes, there are challenges, yes TCN loses transformers, breaker and other equipment from time to time but most open manage the situation.

    The purveyors of disinformation prey on the vulnerability or partisan potential of recipients whom they hope to enlist as amplifiers and multipliers. In this way, they seek to animate us into becoming conduits of their messages by exploiting our propensities to share information for a variety of reasons,” he said in a statement.

    “As a former staff of TCN and indeed a stakeholder in the Nigerian Supply industry, I find it duty bound to start responding to the talebearing’s on TCN by these mischief makers. There was no single report by the cartels on TCN that was balance according to the rules of journalism.

    “I want to emphasize that TCN has always conducted itself with the highest level of professionalism and integrity and always try to mitigate any behaviour that is inappropriate or unethical, and it committed to upholding these values in all aspects of its operations as we know it.

    “There are four major players in Nigerian Energy Supply Industry (NESI) today, namely Generation, Transmission, Distribution and the Regulatory commission as a subset. These segmented fractions constitute whole, known as NESI. The NESI is system, and each fraction of the system is not only important but necessary for the survival and smooth operation of the system. The mystery is that, this complain and the wrong analysis of conjoining loss of transformer with procurement process is not originating from the NESI fractions but from men behind the masks of media cartels of misinformation,” Bukhar added.

  • Navigating Challenges: TCN Takes Proactive Steps Amidst Criticisms

    Navigating Challenges: TCN Takes Proactive Steps Amidst Criticisms

    In the past two years, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has faced sustained criticisms from social circles, particularly on the complexities of providing consistent electricity across the nation. Efforts to counter these critiques include on-site media tours, showcasing the operational difficulties in terrains ranging from rough landscapes to insurgency-prone areas, emphasizing the struggle against vandalism, especially in hard-to-reach locations.

    Managing the colossal responsibility of overseeing over 18,000km of high-voltage transmission lines, TCN grapples with maintaining infrastructures through disaster-prone zones. The necessity of non-conventional methods, such as “special procurement procedures,” is underscored to ensure effective monitoring of the vast network.

    As TCN strives to keep the nation illuminated, policy makers face the challenge of balancing political considerations with the practicalities of managing such an extensive operation. The recent signing of a “Service Level Agreement” with distribution companies signals a commitment to zero tolerance for outages, streamlining emergency repairs without the delays associated with lengthy payment procedures.

    The Procurement Act 2003, Section 43, recognizes the need for emergency procurement in the face of disasters or threats, highlighting the importance of swift actions to maintain vital structures. TCN’s responsible transmission of power from numerous generating companies to distribution companies and international customers requires meticulous decision-making, as seen in the recent incidents on December 21st and 28th, 2023, involving critical towers brought down by various factors.

    Despite TCN’s efforts to clarify actions taken, social critics persistently challenge the institution’s reputation. The response to a media organization’s allegations showcases the delicate balance between addressing misinformation and avoiding unnecessary conflict. The ongoing debate surrounding a potential social media bill and the National Broadcasting Commission’s role reflects the broader struggle against unethical media practices.

    In response to the recent attack by Sahara Reporters, TCN implements countermeasures, including a clinical examination of the accusations and a one-page advertorial to clarify its stance. The Managing Director’s planned appearance on Arise Morning Show aims to provide a transparent and clear perspective on the situation. An official tour for media, Sahara Reporters, and select Civil Society Organizations to witness firsthand the challenges faced by TCN is another step towards fostering understanding.

    Collaboration with stakeholders like Mr. Fadipe and ongoing sensitization efforts to caution media outlets and CSOs against exacerbating the situation, reflect TCN’s commitment to maintaining focus amid external challenges.

    Written by Ahmed Oyofo Sule, Media Consultant 

  • New TCN transmission region to boost economic activities in Kano -Official

    New TCN transmission region to boost economic activities in Kano -Official

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has carved out a new transmission region in Kano from the old Kaduna Region.

    This brings to 10 the number of TCN regional operation centres in the region.

    TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    She said that the creation of the Kano transmission region became necessary owing to the rapid economic and industrial development being witnessed within Kano State and its environs.

    “Kano transmission region has under its supervision one sub-regional office and several Work Centres, all housing 13 Transmission Substations (TS), ” she said.

    Mbah said that the TS includes Kumbotso, Dan Agundi, Dakata, Tamburawa, Kwanar Dangora, Wudil and Kankia.

    Others, according to her, are Katsina, Daura, Dutse, Hadejia, Azare and Gagarawa .

    She said that the new Kano region currently has ongoing transmission substation projects which when completed would further increase bulk transmission capacity in the new region.

    Mbah said that the transmission region would further improve operational efficiency within the region and enable TCN engineers to readily access and resolve technical issues within the new region.

    ” Before the creation of the region, major decisions has to be referred to Kaduna region for directives, and supply of materials were sometimes delayed due to logistic from Kaduna,

    “The proximity of the new region would radically reduce downtime and eliminate time lost when materials have to be conveyed from the Kaduna region,” she said.

    According to her, TCN is determined to continue to rehabilitate and expand its network in line with its rehabilitation and expansion plans.(NAN)