A fire outbreak at Egbin Power Plc has thrown parts of Lagos and Ogun States into darkness, damaging a major transformer and straining the power grid.
The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. It affected a 150 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) transformer at the Egbin Transmission Substation, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the development in a statement released on August 6 via X (formerly Twitter).
Faulty Equipment Sparks Fire, Causes Oil Leak
According to TCN, the fire started from a faulty 33kV instrument transformer (CT/VT) installed by Egbin Power Plc. The transformer caught fire and spread to TCN’s 150MVA 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II.
“Investigations traced the cause of the fire to a faulty 33kV instrument transformer installed by Egbin Power Plc, which was engulfed by fire,” the statement read.
The blaze tore through the main tank of TCN’s transformer, causing oil leakage and forcing a shutdown of bulk power supply to several areas.
Affected zones include Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV transmission substations, which serve Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132kV network were also hit.
At the time of the incident, a total load of 47MW was affected. TCN said the load was “immediately diverted to the second available 150MVA transformer within the substation, which is now operating under strain.”
Load-Shedding and Urgent Repairs Underway
Since the fire, the grid has been under pressure. The backup transformer is overstretched, and load-shedding has begun across all affected areas.
TCN said it has notified IKEDC and EKEDC to assist with load management. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is causing the two distribution companies and electricity customers in the affected areas,” the company said.
Efforts are underway to source a replacement transformer. TCN assured residents that repairs would be fast-tracked to restore normal power supply.
The fire incident comes amid a separate 21-day blackout announced by Ikeja and Eko DisCos from July 28 to August 21, 2025, for scheduled maintenance.
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