The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has called on communities in Ogun State to guard power transmission installations from vandalism and encroachment.
TCN, in a statement on Sunday by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, warned that attacks on high-voltage infrastructure endanger lives and disrupt electricity supply across the country.
The appeal came during a sensitisation programme organised by TCN’s Benin Region at the weekend targeting host communities along transmission corridors in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional General Manager, Engr. Charles Iwuamadi, the Assistant Manager, Engr. Mathew Ariyibi said the outreach was prompted by persistent threats to transmission lines passing through rural communities, including cases where tower components had been tampered with by vandals.
Ariyibi noted that community members are often the first to notice unusual activity around power facilities and urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies or the nearest TCN office without delay.
He added that TCN is already working with local vigilante groups and community leaders to monitor installations in remote areas.
The Principal Manager for Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Abaniyo Otaru, described vandalism as a deliberate assault on infrastructure that underpins national development.
He warned that the transmission lines in question carry up to 33kV of electricity, making interference with them acutely dangerous.
“Tampering with them endangers lives and distabilises power supply,” Otaru said, calling on traditional leaders and community leaders to support efforts to protect the facilities.
Engr. Pius Afonriwo echoed the concern, describing vandalism as one of the most significant challenges facing power transmission nationwide. “These facilities belong to all Nigerians. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.
The TCN officials also used the occasion to warn residents against constructing buildings or erecting structures within transmission line Right of Way corridors, stressing that such encroachment poses serious safety risks to both residents and the infrastructure itself.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Moyegesho of Itele Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Pledge, assured TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting transmission installations within the area.
He noted that the community understands the critical role transmission infrastructure plays in sustaining electricity supply and supporting national development.
TCN said programme was part of a broder, ongoing campaign to curb vandalism, prevent Right of Way encroachment, and strengthen the reliability and stability of bulk power transmission across its network.
