Operations at Egbin Power Plc have been suspended following a fatal industrial accident involving a contractor during an underwater maintenance exercise, raising concerns over safety protocols at one of Nigeria’s largest power generation facilities.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, forced the shutdown of the plant, a key contributor to electricity supply on the national grid. The development is expected to have implications for power generation, given the facility’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s energy mix.
Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, the company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Felix Ofulue, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased contractor.
“Immediately following the incident, established emergency response, safety, and reporting protocols were activated, and the relevant authorities were promptly notified,” Ofulue said.
He added that the company is working closely with relevant authorities to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident, noting that a comprehensive review is currently underway.
“Egbin Power remains firmly committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all personnel and contractors, and to maintaining the highest standards across its operations,” he stated.
According to a source familiar with the development, the contractor was engaged in specialised underwater work at the plant’s pump house when the incident occurred. The task reportedly involved retrieving or stabilising a submerged pumping machine within the facility’s lagoon water system.
The situation turned tragic when the equipment allegedly powered on unexpectedly while the diver was still operating within a restricted zone.
“The diver went in to carry out a recovery operation inside the lagoon water pump system. Unfortunately, the pump came on unexpectedly and he was trapped and killed by the impeller,” the source disclosed.
The deceased contractor was said to be affiliated with Browndive Underwater Services, a firm known for handling complex underwater industrial operations across Nigeria’s oil, gas, and maritime sectors.
Following the incident, operations at the affected section of the plant were immediately halted, triggering a broader shutdown of the facility to allow for safety checks and technical assessments.
Sources indicated that since April 28, the plant has remained offline and disconnected from the national grid as engineers and safety officials conduct detailed inspections to prevent a recurrence.
With an installed capacity of 1,320 megawatts, Egbin Power Plc plays a critical role in Nigeria’s electricity generation, supplying a significant portion of power to the national grid. Its shutdown, even temporarily, is likely to put additional strain on an already challenged power sector.
Industry observers note that such incidents highlight the risks associated with industrial maintenance operations, particularly those involving underwater or high-risk environments. They also underscore the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and fail-safe mechanisms when dealing with heavy machinery.
While investigations are ongoing, attention is expected to focus on whether proper lockout and safety procedures were followed before the commencement of the maintenance work, as well as the adequacy of communication and coordination among personnel on site.
As authorities continue their probe, stakeholders in the power sector are closely monitoring developments, especially regarding the timeline for restoring operations at the plant and the potential impact on electricity supply nationwide.
The company has not yet announced a date for resumption of operations, but officials say the plant will only return to service after all safety concerns have been thoroughly addressed and cleared by relevant authorities.
