```html Lagos Residents Brace for Month-Long Power Disruptions as TCN Upgrades Infrastructure Lagos residents are facing a period of intermittent power outages lasting approximately one month, commencing Monday, July 28, and concluding Thursday, August 21, 2025. This disruption stems from a critical maintenance exercise initiated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on the vital Omotosho–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line.

TCN Announces Upgrade, Promises Daily Restoration The announcement was formally communicated through a statement issued by TCN's General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah. The statement clarified that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the National Independent System Operator (NISO) have granted necessary approvals for this essential infrastructure upgrade. The core of the maintenance involves the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre cable along the 330kV transmission line. Work is slated to occur daily between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Reassuringly, the TCN statement emphasized a commitment to daily power restoration: "Power will be restored through the line after each day’s work. All other circuits will remain operational to ensure a stable power supply to the Lagos complex during the exercise."

Impact on Lagos Residents and Businesses The impending power disruptions are expected to affect a significant portion of Lagos, impacting both residential and commercial consumers. Electricity distribution companies operating within Lagos State, including Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), have issued separate public notices to inform their respective customers about the planned maintenance and the anticipated intermittent power supply.

Ikeja Electric's notice stated, "During this period, customers may experience intermittent power supply and load shedding across our network due to the planned TCN outage." EKEDC echoed this sentiment, warning its "Valued Customers" of "Intermittent outage and load shedding across our network" due to the works on the Omotosho – Ikeja West 330kV power line.

Expert Analysis: Balancing Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain Dr. Adebayo Ogunlesi, an energy sector analyst at the University of Lagos, commented on the situation. "While these short-term power disruptions are undoubtedly inconvenient, the long-term benefits of upgrading the transmission infrastructure are substantial. A stable and efficient power grid is crucial for economic growth and improved quality of life in Lagos. The TCN's investment in OPGW technology will enhance grid resilience and reliability," Dr. Ogunlesi stated.

SCADA System Integration: A Modernization Effort Beyond the immediate maintenance, the upgrade is crucial for the full operationalization of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This system is designed to provide real-time monitoring and management capabilities for the national power grid, enabling quicker responses to faults and improved overall grid stability.

Historical Context: Nigeria's Ongoing Power Sector Challenges Nigeria's power sector has historically faced significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks, and revenue collection issues. This maintenance exercise is part of ongoing efforts to address these challenges and improve the reliability of the national grid. Investments in modern technologies like OPGW and SCADA are essential steps towards achieving a more sustainable and efficient power supply.

Mitigation Strategies for Residents and Businesses Residents and businesses in Lagos are advised to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the power outages. These measures include:

Investing in alternative power sources, such as generators or solar power systems. Implementing energy-saving practices to reduce power consumption. Keeping electronic devices fully charged. Planning business operations to accommodate the scheduled outages.

Looking Ahead The TCN's commitment to daily power restoration aims to minimize the disruption caused by the maintenance exercise. However, residents should remain prepared for intermittent outages during the specified period. The successful completion of this upgrade is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term stability and reliability of the power supply in Lagos and the surrounding regions.

Engr. Fatima Aliyu, a consultant specializing in power systems, adds, "Effective communication between the TCN, distribution companies, and consumers is paramount during this period. Transparent updates on the progress of the maintenance and any unforeseen challenges will help manage expectations and minimize frustration." ```