TCN: Egbin power plant fire deepens power outage in Lagos

Power supply in Lagos has taken another hit following confirmation by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) that a recent fire incident at the Egbin Power plant has impacted its substation.

In a statement released on Thursday, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said the fire broke out at about 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

She explained that the fire damaged a 150 megavolt-amperes (MVA) power transformer, leading to oil leakage caused by a tear in the transformer’s main tank.

The incident has resulted in reduced power supply to key areas including the Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33 kilovolt transmission substations, which serve the Ikeja and Ibadan electricity distribution companies. It also affects Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132 kV network in Lagos.

Mbah said: “Investigations traced the cause of the fire to a faulty 33 kV instrument transformer (CT/VT) installed by Egbin Power Plc, which was engulfed by fire. This ultimately led to the damage of a 150 MVA power transformer belonging to TCN, causing oil leakage from the transformer due to a tear in its main tank.

“As a result of the incident, there is a temporary reduction in bulk power supply to Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33 kV transmission substations, which supply IKEDC and IBEDC for some parts of their franchise areas, as well as Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132 kV network within Lagos State.

“At the time of the incident, a total load of 47 MW was affected. This load was immediately diverted to the second available 150 MVA power transformer within the substation, which is now operating under strain. Since then, the capacity deficit has increased and remains high, resulting in load-shedding across all affected areas.

“Please bear with us as we work diligently to replace the damaged transformer and restore normal power supply as soon as possible.

“TCN has already notified the IKEDC and EKEDC to assist in load management within their franchise areas. On our part, TCN is already making urgent arrangements to source the replacement transformer.”

This update follows an earlier announcement by Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies of a planned 21-day power outage in parts of Lagos from July 28 to August 21, 2025.

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