TCN Extends Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Line Maintenance, Northern States Face Power Disruptions Until June 2026
By Aboki Forex —
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has extended maintenance work on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe 330kV transmission line. The extension means prolonged electricity disruptions across parts of Northern Nigeria until June 30, 2026.
TCN announced the extension in a statement over the weekend. The goal is to allow contractors to complete installation of the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW). This project is designed to improve efficiency, monitoring and reliability of power transmission along the 276-kilometre corridor.
Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, said the maintenance began earlier this year. It has been prolonged to finish the OPGW stringing project on the line.
The upgrade is part of efforts to modernise the national grid and strengthen the transmission network serving the North-East and parts of the North-Central region. TCN noted that installation work requires periodic shutdowns of the transmission line, making temporary power disruptions unavoidable.
Affected customers include those served by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC). Areas expected to see limited electricity supply include Bauchi, Gombe, Damaturu and Maiduguri. Yola, Jalingo and several neighbouring communities will face complete outages during scheduled maintenance periods.
Disruptions will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the project. TCN assured residents that electricity supply would be restored at the end of each day's maintenance activities.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over prolonged power shortages. Reports indicate that many residents in Taraba State have endured unstable electricity supply for more than a month. Businesses are relying heavily on expensive alternative power sources.
Small-scale enterprises, cold-room operators and artisans have been among the hardest hit. Many are struggling with rising operational costs and reduced productivity. Business owners have repeatedly called for urgent measures to minimise disruption and accelerate repair and upgrade works.
Despite the short-term inconvenience, TCN maintains the project will deliver significant long-term benefits. Completion of the OPGW installation will enhance real-time grid monitoring, improve fault detection capabilities and strengthen the overall reliability of electricity transmission in the region.
TCN apologised to affected customers and assured them that all necessary efforts are being made to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. The company expressed confidence that the upgrade will contribute to a more stable and efficient power supply network across the affected states once the work is completed.