TCN Sensitises Ogun Residents About Encroaching On Power Corridors
As attacks on critical infrastructure continue to threaten Nigeria’s electricity supply chain, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to educate communities on the need to protect power installations and avoid illegal activities along transmission corridors.
TCN’s Benin Region on Friday carried out a sensitisation programme in Ogun State, urging residents to safeguard transmission facilities from vandalism and promptly report suspicious movements around power infrastructure.
Speaking during the engagement, Assistant General Manager of the Benin Region, Engr. Mathew Ariyibi, who represented the General Manager, Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, said the initiative became necessary due to rising cases of vandalism and encroachment on transmission Right of Way corridors in rural communities.
According to him, patrol teams have discovered instances where transmission tower components were tampered with, stressing that residents are often the first to notice unusual activities around such facilities.
He appealed to community members to report suspicious persons to security agencies or the nearest TCN office, adding that the company is collaborating with local vigilantes and traditional leaders to strengthen surveillance around installations in remote areas.
TCN also warned against erecting buildings within transmission corridors, noting that such actions pose serious safety risks to lives and infrastructure.
The Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Abaniyo Otaru, described vandalism as a deliberate attack on public infrastructure crucial to national development.
“These lines carry up to 330 kilovolts of electricity. Tampering with them endangers lives and destabilises power supply,” he warned.
Also speaking, Engr. Pius Afonriwo described vandalism as a major setback to effective power transmission across the country and called for stronger collaboration between communities, security agencies and TCN.
Responding on behalf of the host community, the Moyegesho of Itele Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Pledge, assured TCN of the community’s readiness to protect transmission facilities within the area.
The sensitisation exercise forms part of TCN’s broader campaign to curb vandalism, prevent Right of Way encroachment and improve the stability of electricity transmission nationwide.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:whatsapp.com