- TCN restored power to most of Bayelsa after a four-month blackout caused by vandals damaging 20 transmission towers.
- Ten suspects were arrested for vandalism in 2024, with four convicted and six in custody.
- Despite ongoing security challenges, TCN reinforced its commitment to providing steady electricity to DisCos.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) restored electricity to most parts of Bayelsa State after a four-month blackout caused by vandals. Criminals had damaged 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilovolt (KV) line, the state’s sole power supply route, on July 29.
The General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, addressed the media on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He highlighted the steps TCN took to repair the damage and praised the team for completing the restoration on November 30. He said, “The 132KV line is the only transmission line that supplies electricity to Bayelsa State,” emphasising how critical the line is for the state.
Anyaegbulem explained that TCN faced several challenges during the repairs. He noted that constructing each transmission tower costs about N13 million, and the problematic terrain further complicated the process. Despite these obstacles, TCN completed the work and restored power to the affected areas.
TCN also worked to address rising incidents of vandalism in the region. In 2024, law enforcement arrested ten suspected of sabotaging power infrastructure in the Port Harcourt Region, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers states. Courts convicted four of the suspects, while six others remain in police custody awaiting trial.
Vandalism continues to disrupt power supply across various regions in Nigeria, and TCN has strengthened security around its facilities. Anyaegbulem urged local communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near power installations. He stated that protecting these infrastructures is essential for maintaining a stable electricity supply.
He reiterated TCN’s commitment to providing power to Distribution Companies (DisCos) to ensure steady electricity for customers. Anyaegbulem assured the public that TCN will continue prioritising regional power transmission despite the hurdles.
The power restoration in Bayelsa marks an essential step toward normalising the state’s electricity supply. Businesses, homes, and essential services can now resume operations after enduring months of disruption due to the blackout. TCN’s swift response and determination demonstrate the company’s focus on delivering reliable power to affected regions.