The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Port Harcourt grapples with persistent vandalism targeting its transmission towers, a critical component of the nation’s power infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the TCN has achieved notable progress in securing convictions against vandals, arresting suspects, and restoring damaged infrastructure. Four convictions have been secured so far, with six additional suspects currently in police custody awaiting trial. This proactive approach underscores the TCN’s commitment to safeguarding its assets and ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity to the region. The company is also actively engaging with communities, urging them to take ownership of the power infrastructure and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
A significant accomplishment highlighted by the TCN is the restoration of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV transmission line, a vital artery supplying power to Bayelsa State. This line suffered extensive damage in July 2024, resulting in the collapse of 20 transmission towers and plunging Bayelsa State into darkness for four months. The restoration project, completed on November 30th, involved the arduous task of erecting and restringing the fallen towers in challenging terrain, including swampy areas. This undertaking not only restored power to Bayelsa but also demonstrated the TCN’s resilience and dedication to ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply. The cost of constructing each tower is estimated at N12 to N13 million, highlighting the significant financial burden imposed by these acts of vandalism.
The collapse of the Ahoada-Yenagoa line was a particularly challenging event for the TCN. The simultaneous collapse of 20 towers, caused by vandals cutting off support brackets, created a cascading effect that brought down multiple adjacent towers. This incident represented the largest single instance of tower collapse the region had ever experienced. The repair process was complicated by the remote and difficult terrain, necessitating significant time and resources to mobilize contractors and equipment. The successful restoration of the line underscores the TCN’s commitment to overcoming logistical hurdles and restoring power to affected communities.
Beyond the Ahoada-Yenagoa line restoration, the TCN Port Harcourt region, encompassing Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, has achieved several other significant milestones in the past year. These include the commissioning of a 100MVA power transformer at the Port Harcourt main transmission substation, the rehabilitation of the associated 132/33KV switchyard, and the delivery of a 150MVA 330/33KV power transformer to the Adiabo transmission substation in Calabar. These upgrades enhance the region’s power transmission capacity and reliability.
Further strengthening the region’s transmission infrastructure, the TCN oversaw the delivery of a 100/110MVA power transformer and accessories to the Port Harcourt main transmission substation. Additionally, the Itu 132/33KV transmission substation received a substantial upgrade, including the addition of a 60MVA transformer, three outgoing feeders, digital control panels, circuit breakers, isolators, and battery banks. These investments reflect the TCN’s ongoing commitment to modernizing and expanding its transmission network to meet the growing energy demands of the region.
The TCN plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s power sector, acting as the intermediary between power generation companies and distribution firms. Its primary responsibility is to efficiently and effectively transport electricity from generation sources to load centers, utilizing the extensive network of transmission towers. The TCN’s focus remains on ensuring the seamless flow of electricity through this network, enabling distribution companies to supply power to end-users. The company emphasizes that its role is distinct from that of the distribution companies, which directly interface with consumers.
