TCN Declares Force Majeure After Storm Collapses Three Towers on Nigeria–Niger Power Line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared force majeure on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line following the collapse of three transmission towers during a heavy rainstorm and windstorm in Kebbi State.

The affected towers — T109, T110 and T111 — collapsed at Chibike village, disrupting bulk electricity transmission from Nigeria to Niamey, Niger Republic.

In a statement signed by its management on Friday, TCN said the transmission line tripped at 5:38pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The company said a trial reclosure was attempted at 6:03pm, but the line tripped again immediately.

Following the incident, TCN linesmen were deployed to conduct a fault-finding patrol along the transmission corridor.

The patrol team subsequently discovered that three transmission towers had collapsed at Chibike village.

TCN attributed the collapse to heavy rainfall and strong winds recorded in the area.

The incident has consequently affected the transmission of bulk electricity to Niamey through the line.

The transmission company said it had mobilised personnel and resources to the affected location and commenced efforts towards rehabilitating the damaged infrastructure.

“TCN has mobilized personnel and resources to the site and will ensure that all hands are on deck to facilitate the speedy rehabilitation of the collapsed towers and return the line to service in the shortest possible time,” the company said.

The declaration of force majeure formally recognises circumstances beyond TCN’s control that have disrupted its ability to maintain normal service on the transmission route.

TCN apologised for the disruption and assured electricity customers in Niamey that it was making every effort to restore normal power transmission as quickly as possible.

The Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line forms part of the electricity transmission infrastructure connecting Nigeria’s power system with Niger Republic.