KEY POINTS

• A rainstorm caused the collapse of a transmission tower on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV line, disrupting power supply in South-West Nigeria.
• TCN has declared force majeure and deployed engineers to repair the damaged infrastructure while using alternative lines to maintain supply.
• The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power grid to ageing infrastructure and extreme weather.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has declared force majeure after a heavy rainstorm caused the collapse of a transmission tower along the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV line, disrupting electricity supply across parts of South-West Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred on April 16, 2026, affected a key transmission corridor responsible for wheeling bulk electricity from Lagos to neighbouring states, leading to widespread power instability in the region.

In a statement issued by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN disclosed that the line tripped during the storm due to a fault detected about 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end.

Further inspection revealed that Tower 515 had collapsed mid-structure the severe weather impact, crippling one of the backbone links of Nigeria’s national grid.

Engineers Mobilised as Repairs Begin

TCN confirmed that its engineers have been deployed to the site, where dismantling of the damaged structure is already underway. Materials and personnel have also been mobilised to reconstruct the tower and restore full transmission capacity.

To minimise disruption, the company said alternative transmission routes are being utilised to evacuate electricity, while emergency measures have been activated to accelerate restoration efforts.

The Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV line is a vital link connecting Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, to other parts of the South-West. Failures along this route often trigger power outages affecting homes and businesses.

TCN noted that the declaration of force majeure reflects circumstances beyond its control, specifically extreme weather conditions that temporarily hinder its transmission obligations.

The incident once again highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, which continues to face challenges such as ageing equipment, limited capacity, and increasing exposure to harsh weather conditions.