The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed the staggering financial burden of vandalism on its power transmission infrastructure. A sum of N88 billion has been expended by the Federal Government between 2021 and the present day to repair and restore facilities damaged by vandals across the country. This substantial financial drain underscores the severity of the vandalism problem and its detrimental impact on Nigeria’s power sector. The TCN, responsible for transmitting electricity generated by power plants to distribution companies, has been forced to divert funds meant for development and expansion projects to address the recurring issue of vandalism. This financial strain hinders the agency’s ability to achieve its goal of providing stable and reliable electricity to all communities nationwide.
The TCN has embarked on a series of sensitization programs to address the menace of vandalism. One such program, held at the Odogunyan 132kV Transmission Substation in Ikorodu, Lagos State, brought together diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, security agencies, company representatives, and religious leaders. Seyi Onabajo, TCN Principal Manager (Lines) for the Lagos Region, emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts to combat vandalism. He highlighted the financial losses incurred by the government and the TCN, stressing that the N88 billion spent on repairs could have been utilized for developmental projects that would enhance electricity supply and benefit communities. Onabajo appealed to stakeholders to join forces and curb the destructive actions of vandals.
The TCN has reiterated the disruptive impact of vandalism on power supply and the substantial costs involved in restoring damaged infrastructure. Mojeed Akintola, TCN General Manager of Transmission for Lagos State, explained that the downtime after a vandalism incident is significant, adding that repairs can take several months. He cited a specific incident in Abeokuta where ten towers were vandalized, resulting in a three-month repair period and a daily cost of N1 million to the TCN. This example illustrates the substantial financial burden imposed by vandalism and the ripple effects it has on communities experiencing prolonged power outages. Akintola called upon community members, security agencies, steel companies, and the public to support the TCN’s efforts to protect critical power infrastructure.
Representatives from security agencies and community leaders have pledged their commitment to tackling the issue of vandalism. A.J. Dokunmu, Divisional Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), highlighted the Lagos State Government’s efforts to monitor dumpsite operators and scrap buyers to curtail the trade in vandalized materials. This initiative aims to track individuals involved in the scrap business and hold them accountable for dealing in illegally obtained materials. The NSCDC is committed to apprehending and prosecuting vandals to deter future acts of sabotage. Fatoberu Oyekan, Divisional Police Officer of the Ogijo Police Division, urged communities to view TCN infrastructure as their own and prioritize its security. He suggested engaging local vigilantes to complement police efforts in protecting these assets.
Community representatives have voiced their concerns regarding the maintenance and protection of power infrastructure. Joseph Giwa, the Baale of Ladegboye, Ikorodu, criticized the TCN’s maintenance culture and raised concerns about the influence of government functionaries who hinder enforcement against vandals. He urged the TCN to prioritize investments in the maintenance and safety of power infrastructure to prevent future incidents. This underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management and protection of power assets. The TCN’s reported expenditure of N8.8 billion on repairs in 2024 alone further emphasizes the ongoing financial strain caused by vandalism.
In response to the pervasive vandalism, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has advocated for stricter legislation to deter potential perpetrators. He has called on the National Assembly to enact laws that impose harsher penalties for vandalism of critical infrastructure. This move aims to strengthen the legal framework and send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. The combined efforts of the TCN, security agencies, communities, and the government are crucial to curbing the menace of vandalism and ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for Nigeria.
