The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has attributed the ongoing power outage in parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to a labour-related incident at Afam IV Power Station. According to TCN, the disruption began on Monday, September 28, 2026, following an action by members of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Rivers State Chapter.
The incident involved the opening of the Afam–Alaoji 330kV Transmission Line 2 at the Alaoji 330kV Transmission Substation by NUEE members. TCN stated that this action is linked to an ongoing labour dispute between the management of Afam IV Gas Power Station and NUEE. The dispute has led to significant disruptions in electricity supply to the affected areas.
As a result of the incident, the 150MVA 330/132kV inter-bus transformer at Afam IV tripped, affecting bulk electricity transmission to parts of Port Harcourt and its environs. The affected transmission facilities include the Port Harcourt Town 132kV Transmission Substation, Elelenwo 132kV Transmission Substation, and the 60MVA 132/33kV transformer at the Port Harcourt Mains 132kV Transmission Substation.
TCN is currently engaging relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), to restore the affected facilities as soon as conditions allow safe restoration. The company has expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to electricity consumers in the affected areas and has promised to provide updates as the situation develops.
The power outage has affected several areas in Port Harcourt, causing disruptions to businesses and residents. TCN's efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing, with a focus on safely restoring power supply to the affected areas. The incident highlights the challenges facing Nigeria's power sector, including labour disputes and infrastructure issues.
The incident is not the first of its kind in Nigeria's power sector, as labour disputes and infrastructure challenges continue to affect electricity supply across the country. TCN's response demonstrates its commitment to resolving the issue and restoring power supply to the affected areas.
TCN has assured that it will continue to work towards resolving the issue and restoring power supply to the affected areas. The company's efforts are focused on ensuring the safe restoration of power supply, while also addressing the underlying issues that led to the incident.
Key points
- The power outage in Port Harcourt was caused by a labour-related incident at Afam IV Power Station.
- The incident involved the opening of the Afam–Alaoji 330kV Transmission Line 2 at the Alaoji 330kV Transmission Substation by NUEE members.
- TCN is working to restore the affected facilities and has apologized for the inconvenience caused to electricity consumers.
