Fire at Egbin Power Plant Damages TCN Transformer, Triggers Widespread Blackout in Lagos and Ogun

A fire incident at Egbin Power Plc has damaged a critical transformer belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), resulting in widespread power supply disruption across parts of Lagos and Ogun states.

According to a press statement issued by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the fire broke out at about 6:30 a.m. on August 5, 2025, affecting a 150MVA 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II at the Egbin Transmission Substation.

The fire reportedly originated from a faulty 33kV instrument transformer (CT/VT) installed by Egbin Power Plc. The faulty unit caught fire and damaged the TCN transformer, leading to oil leakage due to a tear in the transformer’s main tank.

This incident caused a temporary reduction in bulk power supply to Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV transmission substations, which supply IKEDC and IBEDC for some parts of their franchise areas. The disruption also affected Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132kV network within Lagos State.

At the time of the fire, a total load of 47MW was affected and was redirected to another 150MVA transformer at the substation, which is now operating under significant strain. Since the incident, the capacity deficit has increased, leading to load-shedding across all affected areas.

Efforts are currently underway to replace the damaged transformer and restore full power supply. TCN has informed distribution companies IKEDC and EKEDC to assist in managing load within their service areas. Meanwhile, urgent arrangements are being made to source a replacement for the transformer.

The company apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured electricity users in the affected areas that restoration efforts are ongoing and will continue until power is fully restored.