As the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) embarks on a major infrastructure upgrade, residents across Lagos and parts of Ogun State are expected to face nine-hour daily electricity outages for 25 consecutive days starting Monday, July 28, and will run until Wednesday, August 21.
The outage is due to the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre cables on the Omotosho–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line.The disruption The project has been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigeria Independent System Operator, and is considered a vital step toward improving national grid stability.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Sunday Odutan, the maintenance will result in a daily shutdown of power supply from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., affecting the entire Lagos state and parts of Ogun, including Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ogijo.
He explains the need for safety during the fibre installation as the primary reason for the extended disruptions
The TCN stated that the upgrade is necessary to enable full operationalisation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Once implemented, the SCADA system will allow real-time monitoring and better management of the electricity grid across the country.
During the installation period, other circuits will remain active, ensuring that there is still some level of power supply within the Lagos axis. However, electricity distribution companies have warned that supply will be intermittent and that load shedding may occur.
The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) issued a notice to customers explaining the likelihood of disruptions due to the planned outage, while the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) also confirmed that areas under its network will be affected.
Both distribution companies have urged customers to bear with the inconvenience while the upgrade is in progress. Normal supply is expected to resume once the fibre installation and maintenance work are completed.
