The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that it is actively working to stabilize the national grid following a disturbance that occurred at 11:29 am on Thursday.

In a statement issued in Abuja, TCN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, explained that the disturbance was triggered by a sudden frequency surge from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

Recovery efforts were immediately initiated, with the Abuja region being restored within 28 minutes.

Mbah attributed the frequency spike to a malfunction at one of TCN’s substations, which was subsequently shut down as a precautionary measure to prevent further issues.

She also outlined ongoing repair and upgrade works at several critical transmission points to ensure grid stability.

“We are currently engaged in extensive repair works on key transmission lines and substations. This includes work on the 330kV transmission lines along the Shiroro–Mando corridor, major upgrades at the Jebba Transmission substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line.” she said.

The General Manager also highlighted that, following an investigation into previous grid failures, TCN has begun addressing vulnerabilities identified within the transmission system.

The company is implementing a combination of technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the findings from the investigative report.

“While these repairs are ongoing, we expect that some instability may continue until the major work is completed,” Mbah added.

“We ask for the public’s understanding and patience as we work through these challenges.”

Mbah reassured Nigerians that TCN remains committed to improving the reliability of the national grid, recognizing its crucial role in powering the country’s socio-economic development.

She also emphasized that efforts to address issues like vandalized transmission lines are part of the company’s broader strategy to ensure long-term grid stability.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has dismissed claims made in a viral video that the company sold adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in bottles and jerrycans.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, clarified that the company conducted thorough checks at its retail outlets and found the allegations to be baseless.

The video in question shows an individual pouring a dark liquid, allegedly PMS, purchased from an NNPC Retail outlet near Keffi Flyover.

Soneye categorically stated that the product shown in the video did not come from any NNPC Retail station. He further emphasized that NNPC does not sell petroleum products in bottles or jerrycans.

“We want to make it clear that the product shown in the video was not, and could not have been, purchased from any NNPC Retail outlet. Our stations follow strict guidelines and do not dispense fuel in unauthorized containers,” Soneye explained.

The NNPC Ltd. spokesman reassured the public that the company adheres to high standards of quality control and product integrity.

“We are committed to offering only high-quality, safe, and reliable petroleum products at our stations nationwide,” he added.

Soneye also urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading video, which he said was part of a campaign to spread falsehoods for personal or malicious reasons.

He reiterated that NNPC Retail Ltd. takes the quality of its products seriously, with regular inspections and calibrations to ensure that fuel dispensed at all outlets meets required standards.

“NNPC Ltd. has a well-established system of regular pump integrity checks and product quality inspections to maintain consumer trust and satisfaction,” Soneye concluded.

Litigants in Anambra State have expressed frustration over the continued closure of the Federal High Court in Awka, which has remained shut since Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The closure is reportedly in response to a renewed threat from Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRIGE), who demanded that the Federal Government release all detained Biafrans to the Southeast or face further disruptions, including the closure of courts across the region.

Several litigants, some of whom have experienced multiple adjournments due to previous judge transfers, voiced their dismay at the continuing delays.

They argued that, despite the recent appointment of new judges in Anambra, court operations have been stalled by the threat, leaving many cases in limbo.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, some litigants criticized the judiciary staff and other civil servants, alleging that they often use such situations as an excuse to avoid work.

While acknowledging that judges and lawyers are ready to proceed with hearings, they pointed out that the absence of court staff has hindered progress.

One litigant called the situation “unacceptable,” highlighting the irony that the state capital, which houses both the state police command and the seat of government, remains paralyzed by an external threat.

Chief Sylvanus, one of the frustrated litigants, said he was unaware of any new ultimatum issued by Ekpa, noting that the previous deadline had ended on October 27, 2024.

Another anonymous litigant questioned why a threat originating from Finland would be able to shut down courts in Nigeria, calling for greater security measures to ensure that court operations continue unaffected by external influences.

“Has Anambra State really become so lawless that an online threat can bring everything to a halt?” one litigant asked.

“Why isn’t the police stepping in to provide protection for the court and citizens?”

The litigants also noted that Federal High Courts in other Southeastern states, including Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi, continue to operate without disruptions.

They expressed disappointment that Awka, the state capital, is the only one affected, calling the closure a “humiliation” for both the state and federal governments.

“This is an attack on the people of Anambra State,” one litigant stated.

“Thousands of cases are delayed, many of them involving people whose freedom or livelihood is at stake.The holiday season is approaching, and people who could be freed from detention remain locked up, while others wait for justice in cases affecting public welfare.”

They urged both federal and state authorities to take immediate action to secure the court and resume legal proceedings, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further disruptions to justice in the region.