The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised the alarm over rampant encroachment and vandalism of its critical power infrastructure in Kaduna state, warning that such acts are jeopardising efforts to achieve a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply nationwide.
Speaking during a high-level sensitisation forum with traditional rulers, security agencies, youth leaders and other key stakeholders in Kaduna on Monday, TCN officials decried the growing trend of illegal structures springing up directly under high-voltage transmission lines.
The company also lamented repeated attacks on transmission facilities by vandals, describing them as major setbacks to its ongoing power expansion projects across the state.
General Manager, Kaduna Region, Engr. Nasir Mansur-Fada, in his address, disclosed that TCN is currently installing new transformers and upgrading transmission infrastructure to boost electricity delivery. He, however, noted that persistent vandalism and unlawful construction activities continue to undermine these efforts.
“We are committed to delivering improved and uninterrupted power supply, but this cannot be achieved if our lines and equipment are constantly threatened by vandals and encroachments. The community has a vital role to play in safeguarding these assets,” Mansur-Fada said.
During technical sessions, Manager System Lines, Mr. Simon Innocent, and Assistant Manager Electrical, Mr. Yakubu Abdulrazaq, explained how illegal structures hinder routine inspections, elevate risks of electrocution and could trigger devastating fires.
Also speaking, Senior Manager Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Kenneth John, warned residents against turning transmission corridors into homes or markets. “Transmission lines are not meant to have any human activities beneath them. Anyone staying or trading under these lines is courting disaster — electrocution from high-voltage doesn’t give a second chance,” he cautioned.
To reinforce community surveillance, TCN’s Public Affairs Officer, Hajiya Maimuna Isah, unveiled dedicated hotlines — 07016839880, 09088380966, and 09088380967 — urging local leaders to swiftly report suspicious movements or attempts to sabotage power installations.
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“The community is our first line of defence. We count on traditional institutions, youth groups and other stakeholders to act as our eyes and ears,” she stressed, adding that vigilance at the grassroots remains the surest deterrent to infrastructure theft.
Responding on behalf of traditional rulers, Sarkin Mando, Alhaji Sani Musa, applauded TCN for the initiative, pledging to rally grassroots support. “This is timely. We will go back and educate our people. When these lines are tampered with, it’s our communities that suffer prolonged blackouts,” he said.
TCN disclosed that it plans to replicate the sensitisation forum across more local councils in Kaduna, reiterating that community ownership of public infrastructure is critical to sustainable development and reliable electricity supply.