By Okey Muogbo
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) held a sensitization campaign against vandalism of transmission infrastructure and building under transmission lines right of way in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.
The campaign, according to a statement from TCN forms part of ongoing efforts to protect transmission installations and enhance a more reliable bulk electricity supply nationwide.
In his welcome address, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, expressed appreciation to the district heads, security agencies, and other stakeholders for honoring TCN’s invitation.
He stated that the sensitization programme was convened in response to the increasing incidents of vandalism on transmission facilities, noting that regularity of the acts were unprecedented in the history of transmission lines vandalism.
Engr. Shuaibu emphasized that vandals often sell stolen transmission components for negligible amounts, while their actions plunge entire communities into darkness.
He stressed that prolonged outages could have grave consequences, particularly for hospitals and other essential services that depend on stable power supply.
Suaibu further noted that vandalism impedes the growth of Nigeria’s power sector, as funds earmarked for network expansion and new projects are diverted to replacing damaged infrastructure
The act, he said is sometimes fatal as the vandal is sometimes electrocuted while carrying out the act.
Also speaking at the event, the NSCDC representative in Niger State, DSE Adah Ngbede, warned that the consequences of vandalism are severe and that perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted.
He stressed the need to protect TCN facilities, stating, “No TCN, No Light.”
The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, addressed the gathering in Hausa and appealed to his community to embrace TCN’s partnership initiative.
