Lagos Faces Blackouts as TCN Begins 25-Day Power Line Upgrade Monday

Residents of Lagos have been advised to brace for power disruptions over the next few weeks, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) embarks on a major maintenance operation on one of the state’s key power lines.

In an official announcement, the TCN revealed it will commence a 25-day maintenance exercise on the Omotosho–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line starting Monday, July 28, and running through Thursday, August 21, 2025. The maintenance window will run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

According to Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the maintenance will involve the installation of an Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre cable, a crucial step toward upgrading the system’s efficiency. “The upgrade involves the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre cable on the Omotosho/Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, scheduled from July 28, 2025, to August 21, 2025 from 8 am to 5 pm,” Mbah stated.

The exercise, which has received full approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the National Independent System Operator (NISO), is described as a “critical infrastructure upgrade.”

While the project is underway, TCN has assured that power will be restored after each day’s work, and other circuits will remain operational. “Power will be restored through the line after each day’s work, all other circuits will remain operational to ensure a stable power supply to the Lagos complex during the exercise,” the statement added.

The company further explained that the upgrade is designed to “enable full operationalization of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system” and will improve real-time monitoring and management of the national grid.

Electricity consumers under the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Ikeja Electric have also been notified of the expected disruptions.

In a public alert, Ikeja Electric informed its customers: “Dear Esteemed Customer, please be informed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will carry out scheduled maintenance on the Omotosho-Ikeja West 330kV transmission line from Monday, July 28, to Thursday, August 21, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily.”

The statement warned that during this period, “customers may experience intermittent power supply and load shedding across our network due to the planned TCN outage.”

Similarly, EKEDC issued a separate notice stating: “Dear Valued Customer, Kindly be informed that there will be a planned outage by our partner, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Date: Monday, 28th July to Thursday, 21st August, 2025.

Time: 08:00 – 17:00 hrs (daily).

Reason: To enable works to be safely carried out on the Omotosho – Ikeja West 330kV power line.

Impact: Intermittent outage and load shedding across our network.

Affected Areas: Across our network coverage.”

While the disruption may cause inconvenience to many, the authorities have emphasized that the outcome will strengthen grid reliability and improve power delivery to Nigeria’s most populous state.