TCN declares force majeure after transmission tower collapse in Lagos

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line following the collapse of a tower caused by a heavy rainstorm in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Sunday, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said the incident occurred on April 16, when the line tripped during the storm after a fault was detected about 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end of the corridor.

She explained that subsequent inspections by maintenance teams confirmed that Tower 515 collapsed midsection during the downpour.

A force majeure refers to an unforeseen event such as a natural disaster or conflict that prevents an organisation from meeting its contractual obligations, thereby shielding it from liability.

Mbah said the company has begun mobilising materials and personnel to rebuild the damaged tower, while engineers are currently dismantling the collapsed structure.

She added that efforts are ongoing to maintain power supply through alternative transmission routes, noting that another line remains operational to evacuate electricity.

The TCN assured the public that updates would be provided as repair work progresses.