The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure on its Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line following the collapse of a key tower during a severe rainstorm on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 19, signed by TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company said the storm caused a technical fault which led to tripping of the line.
TCN said the fault was detected “at approximately 14.9km from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end of the transmission line.”
“Further inspection by TCN maintenance crews revealed that Tower No. 515 had collapsed during the storm, with the structure giving way at its midsection,” TCN further stated.
The Ikeja West-Osogbo 330kV line is vital link to Nigeria’s national grid, responsible for evacuating bulk electricity from Lagos to Osun and other parts of the South-West.
The declaration of force majeure legally indicates that the disruption was caused by circumstances beyond TCN’s control (extreme weather), temporarily preventing the company from fulfilling full transmission obligations on that specific line.
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Restoration Work
The transmission company added that while it is mobilizing materials and personnel for re-construction of the fallen tower, efforts are ongoing by its engineers to dismantle the affected tower.
TCN assured consumers that an alternative transmission line on the same corridor remains in service to evacuate bulk power, minimizing the impact on electricity supply while repairs proceed.
“We assure that we will work assiduously to restore flexibility and redundancy in that corridor as alternative line is still in service evacuating bulk power. Updates will be provided as work progresses.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s ageing power infrastructure to adverse weather conditions.
TCN said it would provide updates as restoration work progresses.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X