Heavy Rain, Windstorm Knock Out Nigeria-Niger Transmission Line, TCN Says

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared force majeure on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey transmission line after three transmission towers collapsed, disrupting bulk electricity transmission to Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.

The incident occurred after heavy rainfall and a windstorm affected the area, according to TCN.

The transmission company said the affected line tripped at about 5:38pm on August 26, 2026. An attempt was subsequently made to restore the line through a trial reclosure at 6:03pm, but the effort was unsuccessful as the line tripped again almost immediately.

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

The inspection revealed that three transmission towers had collapsed at Chibike village. The affected structures were identified as towers T109, T110 and T111.

TCN said the collapse of the towers was caused by heavy rain and windstorm in the area.

The damage has affected the transmission of bulk electricity to Niamey through the Nigeria-Niger power link.

In response, TCN declared force majeure on the affected transmission line, citing circumstances beyond its control.

The company said it had mobilised personnel and resources to the affected location to commence rehabilitation work.

TCN said its teams were working to restore the transmission line as quickly as possible, although it did not give a specific date for the completion of the repairs.

The company also apologised for the disruption caused by the incident and assured customers in Niamey that efforts were underway to restore normal transmission.

The Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line forms part of the electricity transmission infrastructure linking Nigeria with Niger Republic. Damage to the line therefore affects an important cross-border power transmission route.

The incident also highlights the vulnerability of electricity infrastructure to severe weather, particularly heavy rainfall and strong winds capable of damaging transmission structures.

TCN’s declaration of force majeure formally recognises the disruption as resulting from an event outside the company’s control while repair and rehabilitation activities continue.

The transmission company said it had deployed the necessary resources to address the damage and restore the affected facility.

For now, attention remains focused on the reconstruction of the three collapsed towers and the restoration of the 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line.