FG spends N8.8 bn to repair 128 vandalized electricity towers

Over the past eleven months, the Nigerian government has allocated approximately N8.8 billion to repair 128 electricity towers that were vandalized across the country

Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), revealed this during a recent quarterly power sector working group meeting in Abuja.

The funds were used from January to November 2024 to restore the damaged towers.

Represented by Olugbenga Ajiboye, the Executive Director of the Transmission Service Provider at TCN, Abdulaziz explained that the 128 towers were destroyed by vandals or robbers during the specified period.

He expressed concern that when vandals were apprehended and handed over to authorities, they were often charged with theft rather than vandalism and released on bail.

“To date, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. We have spent around N8.8 billion to restore them to full functionality,” Abdulaziz stated. “It is unfortunate that whenever the vandals are caught, the police charge them with theft instead of vandalism, and they are then bailed.”

This follows a surge in vandalism incidents that have severely impacted the national grid and electricity supply. Earlier in November, TCN reported that vandals had damaged the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line, halting bulk power transmission. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of November 9, disrupted electricity along a crucial route.

According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, engineers attempted to restore power to the line, but an unexpected trip occurred. After further inspection, a TCN patrol team discovered that towers T306, T307, and T308 had been vandalized, with thieves stealing two spans of aluminum conductors from the transmission line.

Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates