TCN Warns Against Infrastructure Vandalism Amid Threat to Stable Power Supply in Ogun

TCN Warns Against Infrastructure Vandalism Amid Threat to Stable Power Supply in Ogun

By Core Reporters

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has warned that vandalism of transmission facilities poses a serious threat to stable electricity supply, urging residents of Ogun State to protect power installations and report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure.

The General Manager, TCN Benin Region, Engr. Charles Iwu-Amadi, made the appeal on Friday in Ijebu-Itele during a sensitisation programme organised for members of the host community on the dangers associated with vandalism of transmission infrastructure.

Iwu-Amadi, who was represented by the Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Benin Region, Engr. Matthew Ariyibi, said the sensitisation became necessary because transmission lines pass through several rural communities.

According to him, residents are often the first to notice suspicious activities or faults around transmission towers and installations before TCN officials arrive.

“We are here because our transmission lines pass through this community and there is a need to sensitise residents on protecting the facilities.

“Patrol teams have discovered cases where some tower components were tampered with or removed.

“We urge residents to promptly report acts of vandalism and suspicious movements around transmission facilities to relevant authorities,” he said.

He added that TCN was collaborating with local vigilantes and community leaders to monitor installations located in remote areas.

Iwu-Amadi also warned against erecting houses or structures under high-tension power lines because of the dangers involved.

Also speaking, the Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Mr. Abamiyo Otaru, described vandalism as the wilful destruction of public infrastructure meant for national development.

Otaru noted that destruction of transmission facilities disrupts electricity supply, weakens the economy, and creates opportunities for criminal activities.

He warned residents against tampering with transmission installations, stressing that the lines carry up to 330 kilovolts of electricity.

He advised members of the public to stay away from transmission installations and avoid illegal activities around power lines.

In his remarks, the Principal Manager, Transmission, Omotosho Sub-Region, Engr. Pius Afonriwo, described vandalism as a major challenge affecting power transmission nationwide.

He appealed to residents to collaborate with security agencies and TCN officials in protecting transmission infrastructure.

“These facilities belong to all Nigerians. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.

Also speaking, the Moyegesho of Itele Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Ewubajo, pledged that residents would continue to protect transmission installations within the area.

Kasali noted that the infrastructure remained critical to electricity supply and national development.

He assured TCN officials of the community’s support in safeguarding the facilities against vandalism and other illegal activities.

Community leaders, security personnel, and youths were present at the programme.