TCN warns Ogun residents against vandalism

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has appealed to residents of Ogun State to protect all power installations and shun any act of vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

TCN also warned them against the danger of erecting structures under high-tension power lines.

The General Manager of TCN, Benin Region, Engr Charles Iwuamadi, made the appeal during a public sensitisation and community engagement exercise at Itele, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Friday.

Iwuamadi, represented by the Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Benin Region, Mr Matthew Ariyibi, said the stakeholders’ engagement was of importance because transmission lines pass through several rural communities in the country.

He, therefore, asked them to report any suspicious moves around the electricity infrastructure around the transmission towers, to protect their communities against being thrown into darkness.

Iwuamadi urged the people to expose vandals before their communities are thrown into total blackout by the activities of those destroying power infrastructure.

The TCN General Manager explained that patrol teams from the company had discovered cases of tampering and removal of tower components, submitting that such acts pose grave danger to lives and the power supply system nationally.

He said, “Whether it is the tower base, conductors, or any other equipment, residents of host communities see the issues before informing us. That is why we are here to educate residents on the importance of safeguarding these facilities, so we can continue serving the nation effectively.

“Our patrol teams have discovered cases where tower members were removed or tampered with. Fortunately, we have not experienced any severe incidents leading to tower collapse. That is why we are carrying out this sensitisation. When you see something, say something. That is the purpose of this campaign.”

According to him, the company has strengthened surveillance around transmission installations by collaborating with local vigilantes and traditional institutions.

“In villages like this, we work with local vigilantes, whom we engage to help safeguard the installations. We also have a good relationship with the traditional ruler, who happens to be a former staff member. He understands the importance of these lines and helps keep us informed,” Ariyibi added.

He also informed that anyone found culpable of vandalizing national assets risked prosecution following arrest.

“It is a very serious offence. In many cases, the act itself is life-threatening because of the danger involved. If the person survives, they will still face prosecution under the law,” he said.

Also speaking, the Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Otaru Abamiyo, described transmission facilities as critical national assets essential for economic growth and national development.

“The main objective of our visit was to sensitise the host communities where some of our installations are located,” Abamiyo explained.

“These facilities are important national assets because they help deliver electricity across the country. Vandalism is the wilful destruction of government infrastructure put in place for public benefit.

“When these structures are destroyed, power supply is disrupted. It negatively affects the nation’s economy, damages the country’s image, and creates opportunities for criminal activities,” he said.

The Principal Manager, Transmission, Omotosho Sub-Region, Engineer Pius Olubunmi Afonrinwo, described vandalism as a major threat to the stability of Nigeria’s national grid.

“Vandalism is a very serious challenge for the company,” Afonrinwo said.

“First, it disrupts power transmission. Once a transmission line is vandalised, electricity cannot be effectively wheeled across the grid. Secondly, the cost of maintenance and repairs becomes extremely high.”

The Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Muftau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Ewubajo, lauded TCN for taking its sensitisation campaign to the grassroots.

Oba Kasali said the community is ready to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that TCN infrastructure and other power installations across the community are protected to guarantee a steady power supply across the country.