Paragraph 1: The Genesis of the Dispute
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) are locked in a public disagreement over the responsibility for recent power outages experienced by BEDC customers. The dispute originated from a social media post by BEDC on March 14, 2025, where the distribution company attributed its inability to supply power to its 33kV customers to ongoing maintenance work being carried out by TCN. This announcement sparked a swift rebuttal from TCN, accusing BEDC of disseminating misleading information and urging the distribution company to provide factual updates to its consumers. The core issue revolves around establishing the root cause of the power delivery disruptions, with each company presenting conflicting narratives.
Paragraph 2: TCN’s Rebuttal and Clarification
TCN vehemently refuted BEDC’s claims, asserting that their maintenance activities were not the source of the power supply problems. In a press statement released on Saturday, Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, clarified that the company had undertaken a planned outage at the Amukpe Transmission Station on March 11, 2025. This outage, according to TCN, was completed on the same day with bulk power supply subsequently restored. Mbah emphasized that, contrary to BEDC’s assertions, the power delivery issues being faced by BEDC customers were not a consequence of TCN’s maintenance work. This statement directly contradicted BEDC’s public announcement and set the stage for a more detailed explanation of the situation.
Paragraph 3: Pinpointing the Source of the Outage
While TCN acknowledged a fault on the Ughelli/Shell 33kV feeder T1 60MVA, which tripped on March 14, 2025, they insisted that this was an isolated incident. Furthermore, TCN confirmed that they were actively working to restore bulk power supply to the affected feeder. However, the crux of TCN’s argument centered on the assertion that all other areas mentioned by BEDC as experiencing power delivery problems were due to faults within BEDC’s own 33kV feeder network. This claim effectively shifted the blame for the widespread outages back to the distribution company.
Paragraph 4: The Importance of Accurate Information
TCN underscored the importance of accurate and transparent communication, particularly in a sector as critical as power supply. Mbah’s statement explicitly called on BEDC to prioritize truthful communication with its customers, urging them to "state facts as they are." This appeal for factual reporting highlighted TCN’s concern that BEDC’s initial announcement had misrepresented the situation and potentially created unnecessary confusion among consumers. Providing accurate information, TCN argued, is crucial for all stakeholders, including customers, regulators, and the companies involved.
Paragraph 5: Implications of the Dispute
The public disagreement between TCN and BEDC underscores the complexities and challenges within Nigeria’s power sector. The dispute not only highlights the technical issues that can lead to power disruptions but also reveals the communication gaps that can exacerbate the impact of such incidents. Furthermore, the conflicting narratives raise questions about accountability and transparency within the sector. Determining the true source of the outages is vital for addressing the underlying problems and preventing future occurrences.
Paragraph 6: The Need for Collaborative Solutions
Ultimately, resolving the current dispute and ensuring reliable power supply requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. Effective communication, accurate reporting, and a commitment to transparency are essential for building trust and addressing the challenges that plague the Nigerian power sector. Moving forward, both TCN and BEDC, along with other industry players, must prioritize working together to identify the root causes of power disruptions and implement sustainable solutions that benefit consumers. This collaborative approach will be critical for improving the reliability and efficiency of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
