The TCN has called for stronger legal frameworks and improved security measures to address the recurring vandalism, which poses a significant threat to the nation’s power sector.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has disclosed that it spent N8.8 billion to repair and restore 128 vandalised transmission towers across the country in 2024. This was revealed during the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting held in Abuja.
Speaking through a statement on Wednesday, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ahmed Abdulaziz, lamented the persistent attacks on vital infrastructure. Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive Director of TCN’s Transmission Service Provider, Engr. Olugbenga Ajiboye, highlighted the scale of the damage and the financial burden it imposes on the sector.
“As of today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. To date, we have spent about N8.8 billion to restore them to full functionality,” Abdulaziz stated.
The Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, in a statement, criticized the prosecution process for apprehended vandals. He noted that perpetrators are often arrested for theft rather than vandalism, a legal technicality that allows them to secure bail and resume illegal activities.
“When vandals are caught and handed over to the police, their cases are treated as theft instead of vandalism, which makes them eligible for bail. If charged with vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we find ourselves. Many vandals have been arrested, yet they are always released,” Abdulaziz explained.
The TCN boss further detailed the security challenges faced during repair efforts, citing incidents in areas like Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna, where military escorts were required for contractors to work safely. Despite the escorts, contractors were often restricted to limited working hours or barred from accessing unsafe areas altogether.
“In some cases, the contractors were told they could only work for two hours a day, while in others, they were advised it wasn’t safe to proceed at all. How do we deliver electricity to Nigerians under such dire circumstances?” Abdulaziz questioned.
The TCN has called for stronger legal frameworks and improved security measures to address the recurring vandalism, which poses a significant threat to the nation’s power sector.
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