The Transmission Company of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Region, has expressed deep concern over the increasing obstruction of its transmission lines’ right-of-way and the rampant vandalism of equipment in the states under its jurisdiction.
TCN is urging the Federal Government to deploy military and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to safeguard crucial power infrastructure.
The General Manager of TCN, Port Harcourt Region, Dr. Inugonum Thomas, emphasized the critical role of the transmission sector in the power chain and underscored the need for constant safety measures to ensure the uninterrupted flow of power.
Thomas, during a press briefing after inspecting TCN facilities in Port Harcourt, explained, “Many times we suffer from people attacking the transmission lines, destroying it, removing parts of the towers, making us not have the transportation done easily. Vandalization occurs virtually every time.”
Highlighting the additional challenge of right-of-way obstruction, Thomas expressed frustration, stating, “The right of way of our transmission lines is another challenge we are having because most times the moment you come that you want to start a project, the community sees that there is movement here. Once they see that it is a project that is going to help them, it becomes a problem.”
Thomas shared instances of extreme resistance from communities, mentioning a case in Akwa-Ibom where the community went to the extent of digging 500 graves to demand compensation for a transmission project. He pleaded for government intervention to ensure the safety of TCN projects.
Expressing the potential danger caused by vandalism, Thomas warned, “When people are doing these evil things, they are not thinking because in the process they will kill so many people. Once that tower rests in our house, if it’s 100 houses, nobody will come out. It is as bad as that.”
He called on the government to provide security assistance, suggesting the deployment of military personnel or NSCDC to monitor TCN stations and prevent vandalism. Thomas highlighted instances where vandals had cut earth conductors for transformers, putting lives and property at risk.
Assistant General Manager, Port Sub-Region, Engr Ben Ezemobi, shared insights into TCN’s ongoing projects, including the installation of a 100MVA transformer, which, when combined with existing infrastructure, aims to enhance power supply, meeting the needs of Rivers State.
