Musbau Babatunde
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure due to industrial actions by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Imo state leading to who invaded some of the substations and feeders in Owerri, the state capital.
This was conveyed in a statement on Thursday signed by Engr. Victor Adewunmi, Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) of TCN.
According to TCN, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at about 00:37 hrs, Nigerian Labour Congress / Trade Union Congress officials in Owerri Imo State besieged the Transmission Substation and forcefully opened all the outgoing 33kV feeders.
He said:“The reason for this action according to the unionist was in compliance with a joint order by NIC/TUC to all affiliated unions to withdraw services over labour issues with the Imo State government.
“Oguta and Orlu 33kV outgoing feeders were already out on load shedding at the time the incident occurred.As a result of the action of the NLC/TUC which was an unfortunate situation, TCN-TSP is regrettably declaring a Force Majeure in accordance with the provision of the market rules in section 46:8:4(d)”
He emphasised that TCN is constrained to take any action to alleviate the impact of the NLC/TUC actions on the customers since the labour issues are still ongoing at the moment.