By Vincent Ekpo
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has intensified its sensitisation campaign in Ogun State, warning residents against vandalising electricity infrastructure and erecting buildings beneath high-tension power lines.
Speaking during a community engagement programme at Itele in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, the General Manager, Benin Region, Engr Charles Iwuamadi, said the campaign became necessary because transmission facilities located in rural communities remained vulnerable to vandalism and other illegal activities.
Represented by the Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Benin Region, Engineer Matthew Ariyibi, Iwuamadi explained that transmission lines pass through several villages and rural communities, making residents the first to notice faults or suspicious activities around TCN installations.
“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,” he said.
He disclosed that patrol teams had discovered cases of tampering and removal of transmission tower components, warning that such acts pose serious dangers to lives and the national electricity supply system.
“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,” he added.
According to Ariyibi, the company has strengthened surveillance around transmission installations through collaboration 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,” he said.
He also cautioned residents against constructing houses or other structures under transmission lines, describing such actions as extremely dangerous.
“We want people to know that they should not build houses or any structures under power lines because it is extremely dangerous,” he warned.
On the legal consequences of vandalism, Ariyibi stressed that offenders risk prosecution if apprehended.
“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, Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Otaru Abamiyo, described transmission facilities as critical national assets essential for economic growth and development.
“The main objective of our visit was to sensitise the host communities where some of our installations are located. These facilities are important national assets because they help deliver electricity across the country,” he said.
Abamiyo lamented that destruction of transmission infrastructure disrupts electricity supply, damages the economy and exposes communities to insecurity and hardship.
“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 stated.
He further warned that many vandals underestimate the dangers associated with high-voltage electricity installations.
“The danger is enormous. What we call touch potential and step potential means a person may not even survive coming close to these installations,” he warned.
The Principal Manager, Transmission, Omotosho Sub-Region, Engineer Pius Olubunmi Afonrinwo, also described vandalism as a major threat to the stability of Nigeria’s national grid.
“Once a transmission line is vandalised, electricity cannot be effectively wheeled across the grid. Secondly, the cost of maintenance and repairs becomes extremely high,” he said.
Afonrinwo explained that the Benin transmission corridor remains critical to national grid stability, noting that damage to one section of the interconnected network could affect electricity supply across the country.
“Our transmission network is interconnected nationwide. Because the system operates as a ring network, damage to one section can affect the entire country,” he said.
He added that replacing vandalised infrastructure costs billions of naira, warning that the weakening of one transmission tower could lead to the collapse of several others during heavy winds.
Appealing for greater community support, Afonrinwo urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and promptly report suspicious activities.
“These facilities belong to all of us. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.
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