TCN Sparks Uproar: 5-Day Power Blackout Strikes 8 North-Eastern Cities

TCN Sparks Uproar: 5-Day Power Blackout Strikes 8 North-Eastern Cities

TCN sparks uproar across the north-east as major transmission upgrades plunge eight cities into a five-day blackout.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has started a critical project aimed at improving electricity supply. But while that happens, people living in Bauchi, Gombe, and parts of Yobe and Borno must cope with days of limited or no power.

The blackout, which began on June 10, is expected to last until June 14.

TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the company is working on a “turn-in-turn-out” connection along the 330kV Jos-Bauchi-Gombe transmission line. This project will link the brand-new 330kV Bauchi substation to the national electricity grid.

During this period, electricity supply to some towns will drop sharply. Two major areas—Yola and Jalingo—will experience a total power outage for all five days.

Other towns such as Ashaka, Biu, Damaturu, Potiskum, Gombe, and parts of Bauchi will receive reduced supply. That means many households and businesses will struggle with unstable electricity or total darkness.

Power will be routed through temporary sources to ease the pressure. TCN said Gombe and Biu substations will get electricity from the Dadin-Kowa Hydro Power Plant and the Maiduguri Substation. The Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP) will also support the supply chain during the work.

Even with these measures, the disruption will reduce the bulk electricity going to the Jos and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies. These companies are responsible for powering homes, schools, offices, and hospitals in the region.

The work taking place involves installing a new transmission tower. TCN says this is part of a wider effort to make the country’s power grid stronger, more stable, and ready to handle emergencies.

Once the new system is active, Bauchi and Gombe will serve as backup stations for each other. In case of future faults or repairs, they can share the load and keep electricity flowing. If the main 330kV line from Gombe fails, Jos will step in and power Bauchi through a 132kV line.

“This arrangement enhances power reliability, diversifies transmission routes, and improves emergency response efficiency,” the statement from TCN said.

The commission added that the long-term goal is to reduce blackouts by upgrading weak parts of the grid. They believe that building stronger links between cities and creating more backup paths will help deliver steady power.

For many people living in the affected areas, however, these improvements come at a heavy cost. The blackout has forced residents to find alternative solutions. Some are turning to generators, which are expensive and noisy. Others simply go without, waiting for the lights to return.

Vendors in Gombe’s main market say the outage is affecting their businesses. “We can’t keep things cold. The generator fuel is costly,” said one food seller. “How do we sell without light?”

In homes, children find it hard to study at night. Families have to adjust their routines, sometimes sleeping earlier or using candles and torches.

Despite the frustration, some people say they’re hopeful. They believe that if TCN can complete this project on time and without errors, future power supply might improve.

“TCN remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure to facilitate a more stable and effective bulk power supply,” the company stated.

The federal government is also working with the Atomic Energy Commission on longer-term plans to improve electricity generation across the country. This includes exploring nuclear power and diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources.

Although those plans are still in early stages, experts say Nigeria must invest in lasting solutions. Frequent power cuts and weak infrastructure have slowed down businesses and made life harder for everyday Nigerians.

For now, TCN is urging the public to stay patient.

Once the blackout ends on June 14, normal electricity should return. And with the new substation in place, TCN hopes to offer more reliable supply in the months ahead.

In the face of hardship, the people of the north-east are waiting for that promise to turn into light.