The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced an extension of the ongoing maintenance work on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe 330kV transmission line, leading to prolonged electricity disruptions across parts of Northern Nigeria until June 30, 2026.
Maintenance Extension Details
The extension is intended to allow contractors to complete the installation of the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving the efficiency, monitoring, and reliability of power transmission along the corridor. In a statement issued over the weekend, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the maintenance exercise, which began earlier this year, has been prolonged to facilitate the completion of the OPGW stringing project on the 276-kilometre line.
Affected States and Communities
The maintenance activities will affect electricity customers served by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC). Areas expected to experience limited electricity supply include Bauchi, Gombe, Damaturu, and Maiduguri, while Yola, Jalingo, and several neighbouring communities will face complete outages during scheduled maintenance periods. The disruptions will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the project duration. TCN assured residents that electricity supply would be restored at the end of each day's maintenance activities.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the impact of prolonged power shortages on households and businesses across affected states. Reports indicate that many residents in Taraba State have endured an unstable electricity supply for more than a month, forcing businesses to rely heavily on expensive alternative power sources. Small-scale enterprises, cold-room operators, artisans, and other electricity-dependent businesses have been among the hardest hit, with many struggling to cope with rising operational costs and reduced productivity. Business owners have repeatedly called for urgent measures to minimise the disruption and accelerate ongoing repair and upgrade works.
Long-Term Benefits Promised
Despite the short-term inconvenience, TCN maintains that the project will deliver significant long-term benefits to electricity consumers. According to the company, the 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 customers affected by the disruptions 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.
Related Power Outage Announcements
In a similar development, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) recently announced a planned electricity outage lasting two days in parts of Abuja due to infrastructure relocation works tied to road construction. The outage affected residents of Lugbe, Airport Road, Gaduwa, Apo, and surrounding communities on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, 2026.
