The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has appealed to host communities to take ownership of power infrastructure and help curb the rising incidents of vandalism on its transmission towers. During a sensitization program for youths from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas in Igbu Ehuda, Rivers State, TCN’s Regional Manager, Mr. Akpa Anyaegbunam, made this appeal.
This call to action follows TCN’s announcement of contracting three companies to reconstruct collapsed towers along the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi transmission line. Anyaegbunam warned that ongoing sabotage of national power infrastructure undermines local development and Nigeria’s broader socio-economic progress. He cited recent vandalism incidents, including the destruction of 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada–Yenagoa line, which resulted in a total blackout in Bayelsa State for over four months, severely disrupting businesses and livelihoods.
Anyaegbunam emphasized that each act of vandalism sets back progress significantly, affecting not just financial costs but also the lives and businesses that suffer in darkness. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness and promoting community-led efforts to secure transmission infrastructure, which is critical for meaningful development.
While clarifying that TCN is not accusing local youths of direct involvement in vandalism, he noted that no outsider could vandalize such infrastructure without some internal collaboration. He urged the community to view power infrastructure as shared property essential for improving living standards.
Responding to the appeal, youth leader Isaiah Sunday expressed support for TCN’s efforts and called for the establishment of community surveillance teams to protect vital installations. The sensitization program attracted hundreds of youths from 19 communities and is part of TCN’s broader outreach efforts to combat vandalism and ensure uninterrupted power supply.
