TCN raises alarm over vandalism, warns against building under power lines

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified its sensitisation campaign across host communities in Ogun State, warning residents against vandalism of electricity infrastructure and the dangers of erecting buildings under high-tension power lines.

Speaking during a community engagement exercise at Itele, in the Ijebu East local government area of Ogun State, the general manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Benin Region, Engr Charles Iwuamadi, said the campaign became necessary because transmission facilities located in rural communities remain vulnerable to vandalism and illegal activities.

Iwuamadi, who was represented by the Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Benin Region, Engineer Matthew Ariyibi, said transmission lines pass through several villages and rural communities in the country, stressing that people living in such communities are often the first to notice when anything goes wrong with TCN infrastructure.

He said, ‘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 disclosed that patrol teams had already discovered cases of tampering and removal of tower components, warning that such acts pose grave dangers to lives and the national power 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. That is the purpose of this campaign.”

According to him, the company has strengthened surveillance around transmission installations by collaborating 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,” Ariyibi added.

He further warned residents against constructing houses or other structures beneath 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 cautioned.

On the legal implications 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, the Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Mr Otaru Abamiyo, described transmission facilities as critical national assets essential for economic growth and national development.

“The main objective of our visit was to sensitise the host communities where some of our installations are located,” Abamiyo explained.

“These facilities are important national assets because they help deliver electricity across the country. Vandalism is the wilful destruction of government infrastructure put in place for public benefit.”

He lamented that destruction of transmission infrastructure not only disrupts electricity supply but also exposes communities to insecurity and economic 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 said.

Abamiyo warned that 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.

He added that TCN staff working around such facilities are mandated to wear full protective equipment because of the risks involved.

“People should stay away from transmission infrastructure and avoid illegal activities around power lines,” he advised.

“There are also concerns about radiation and possible long-term health implications. That is why these lines are routed through bush paths and elevated high above the ground. People should not expose themselves unnecessarily to danger.”

In his remarks, the principal manager, transmission, Omotosho sub-region, Engineer Pius Olubunmi Afonrinwo, described vandalism as a major threat to the stability of Nigeria’s national grid.

“Vandalism is a very serious challenge for the company,” Afonrinwo said.

“First, it disrupts power transmission. 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 noted that the Benin transmission corridor plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability nationwide.

“The Benin transmission line, for example, is very important for grid stability, so any disruption affects power supply significantly,” he explained.

According to him, the cost of replacing vandalised infrastructure runs into billions of naira, as damage to one transmission tower could trigger the collapse of several others.

“When vandals remove parts from a tower, it may not affect only one tower. A single weakened tower can collapse and bring down several others, especially during heavy winds,” he said.

“Each transmission tower costs millions of naira to construct and repair.”

Afonrinwo further explained that the country’s transmission network operates as an interconnected ring system, meaning vandalism in one location can impact electricity supply nationwide.

“Our transmission network is interconnected nationwide. Lines such as Benin–Ikeja West, Benin–Omotosho, and Benin–Egbe are all part of the national grid,” he said.

“Because the system operates as a ring network, damage to one section can affect the entire country.”

He also reiterated TCN’s warning against illegal structures under high-tension lines, citing safety and operational concerns.

“These areas are dangerous because of radiation and other safety risks, including possible cancer-related concerns,” he noted.

“Such structures also block our right of way, making it difficult for maintenance teams to access facilities for inspection and repairs.”

Appealing for stronger community support, Afonrinwo urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and report suspicious activities promptly.

“Vandals usually operate secretly, which is why community cooperation is important,” he said.

“By the time we arrive at a location, we often discover that parts of the towers have already been removed. These facilities belong to all of us. Let us work together to protect them.”

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