- TCN reveals that between January 9 and 14, 2025, over 18 transmission towers were vandalised across Rivers, Abia, and Kano states, with critical components stolen.
- In 2024 alone, the federal government allocated a significant amount to repair approximately 128 vandalised towers.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has appealed to host communities to join the fight against the escalating vandalism of power transmission towers nationwide. A surge in attacks targeting TCN infrastructure has compromised the national power grid, causing significant disruptions and financial losses.
Between January 9 and 14, 2025, over 18 transmission towers were vandalised across Rivers, Abia, and Kano states, with critical components stolen. The financial toll of these attacks is substantial; in 2024 alone, the federal government allocated a significant amount to repair approximately 128 vandalised towers.
Mr Akpa Anyaegbunam, TCN’s General Manager for the Port Harcourt Region, made the appeal during a sensitisation programme for youths from Ahoada East and Ahoada West areas in Igbu Ehuda, Rivers State. He emphasised that the vandalism of power infrastructure presents a significant setback to the affected communities and Nigeria’s overall socio-economic development.
Anyaegbunam highlighted that in addition to the substantial financial costs incurred in repairing damaged infrastructure, such acts result in prolonged power outages, thereby disrupting economic and domestic activities for consumers.
“This is why we engaged the youths of Ahoada East and Ahoada West in Rivers State to encourage them to join the fight against vandalism of power installations in their communities,” he explained.
He stressed the need for young people to actively participate in safeguarding transmission infrastructures, citing a recent incident of sabotage that led to a blackout in Bayelsa.
Hundreds of youths from 19 communities in Ahoada East and Ahoada West participated in the one-day sensitisation programme, which raised awareness and cultivated a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.
The TCN’s appeal underscores the critical need for community involvement in protecting vital power infrastructure.
By engaging local youths and communities, TCN aims to mitigate the impact of vandalism and ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for the nation. This collaborative effort is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.