The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that it has spent more than N88 billion since 2021 on repairs of vandalized infrastructure across the country. The company emphasized that this substantial expenditure, which should have been allocated for rebuilding and upgrading Nigeria’s power system, is instead being used to restore damaged assets caused by vandalism.
At a public sensitization event on the consequences of vandalism, held at the Odogunyan 132 kV Transmission Substation in Ikorodu, TCN’s Principal Manager for Lines, Seyi Onabajo, issued a strong call to action. He noted that the current situation was unsustainable and underscored the importance of protecting TCN’s infrastructure. “This is a wake-up call for the whole community and beyond to safeguard TCN infrastructures and report acts of vandalism to the appropriate authorities,” Onabajo stated. He further explained that the cost of repairing vandalized towers was much higher than the cost of building new ones from scratch, adding to the strain on resources meant for the power sector.
TCN’s General Manager for the Lagos region Mojeed Akintola, also highlighted the critical role of local communities in combating vandalism. He praised the positive response from community leaders, security agencies such as the Nigerian Police and Civil Defence, as well as steel companies in the Ikorodu area. Akintola pointed out that while Ikorodu was scheduled for upgrades, these improvements could be delayed due to the diversion of funds towards repairing vandalized equipment. “Repairs often take three to four months to complete, which leaves communities without power for extended periods,” he explained. He stressed that the delay in repairs, along with the rising costs, negatively impacts the local economy.
Akintola emphasized the ongoing quarterly community awareness programs to help spread the message about the economic and operational consequences of vandalism. “The funds that should be used for upgrades are instead being diverted to repairs, which is unsustainable,” he said. “The cost of repairs is three times the initial cost of the infrastructure, and many of these repairs are unbudgeted.”
CSP Fatoberu Oyekan, the Divisional Police Officer of Ogijo Police Station, also addressed the issue, advocating for community policing to help prevent vandalism. Oyekan suggested that TCN collaborate with local vigilantes to monitor power infrastructure. “I recommend that TCN consider deploying local vigilantes to provide surveillance around the power towers,” Oyekan said. “With the support of community leaders and security agencies, we can effectively eradicate vandalism and protect these vital assets.”
The TCN officials and community leaders are hopeful that with greater awareness and a coordinated effort, the frequency of vandalism will decrease, leading to more reliable power delivery for Nigerians.
