Electricity consumers across seven northern states are expected to face intermittent power outages following a planned maintenance exercise on a major transmission line.
The development has raised concerns among residents and businesses already grappling with inconsistent electricity supply.Electricity consumers across seven northern states are to experience weeks of intermittent power outages following a scheduled maintenance exercise on a major transmission line, the Nigerian Independent System Operator has announced.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the system operator said the disruption would affect parts of Plateau State, Gombe State, Bauchi State, Borno State, Adamawa State, Taraba State and Yobe State.
According to the notice, the outage would occur along the Jos–Gombe transmission corridor from April 9 to May 22.Power supply would be interrupted weekly from Thursday to Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the period.
The agency explained that the planned disruption was part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electricity grid.Specifically, it would involve the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre optic infrastructure on the Jos–Gombe transmission line.
The project is aimed at improving grid reliability, communication and system monitoring.“The upgrade is critical to strengthening the operational efficiency of the national grid,” the operator stated.It added that the new fibre optic system would enhance real-time data transmission and fault detection capabilities.
The development is expected to temporarily affect electricity distribution across the affected states.Many of the states already face challenges related to inconsistent power supply.
However, the system operator assured consumers that it is collaborating with electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the outages.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas have been advised to make alternative arrangements during the scheduled downtime.This is particularly important during peak daytime hours when the interruptions will occur.
The latest announcement comes amid ongoing reforms and infrastructure upgrades within Nigeria’s power sector.Authorities are seeking to improve service delivery and reduce system failures nationwide.