Kainji-Birnin Kebbi Transmission Tower Collapse Triggers Fresh Blackout

A major transmission tower on the Kainji-Birnin Kebbi power line has collapsed after strong winds and heavy rain, disrupting electricity supply along the corridor and leaving several communities facing sudden blackouts.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria declared force majeure following the incident, while repair crews have been mobilised to begin work on restoring the affected line.

Officials said the storm made access to the site difficult in the early hours, while the extent of the damage means full restoration will take time.

Several communities in Kebbi and neighbouring areas experienced power outages following the collapse. Hospitals and water facilities relying on the grid switched to backup generators where available to maintain essential services.

The incident adds pressure to an already strained national grid, which has recorded multiple disturbances during this rainy season.

TCN is also assessing whether additional towers along the same route sustained structural stress from the severe weather.

Until repairs are completed, affected communities may continue to experience disruptions, with the focus now on safely accessing the damaged location and restoring supply as quickly as possible.