The Federal Government spent ₦8.8 billion in 2024 to repair and restore transmission towers damaged by vandalism and attacks across the country, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Ahmed Abdulaziz, TCN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, disclosed this during the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja. Abdulaziz, represented by TCN’s Executive Director of Transmission Service Provider, Engr. Olugbenga Ajiboye, revealed that 128 transmission towers were destroyed between January and November 2024 by vandals and bandits.
“By our estimation, ₦8.8 billion has been spent to restore 128 towers to full functionality,” Abdulaziz said, expressing frustration over the recurring destruction of critical infrastructure.
Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, noted in a statement that the government has struggled to secure convictions for the arrested vandals. Tunji lamented that suspects handed over to law enforcement are often charged with theft instead of vandalism, enabling them to secure bail and return to their illegal activities.
“It is unfortunate that when vandals are arrested, the police categorize the offense as theft rather than vandalism, which allows the suspects to be released on bail. If charged with vandalism, they would not qualify for bail. This gap has enabled repeat offenders to wreak further havoc on Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure,” Abdulaziz explained.
Highlighting security challenges, he recalled the destruction of the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna transmission lines, where military escorts were required for contractors to restore operations.
“In some areas, contractors could only work for two hours daily due to safety concerns. In other cases, access was deemed entirely unsafe. These challenges significantly hinder our ability to deliver electricity to Nigerians,” Abdulaziz stated.
The TCN urged stricter legal frameworks and enforcement measures to protect vital infrastructure and ensure the stability of the country’s power supply.
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