Over the past eleven months, the Nigerian government has allocated approximately N8.8 billion for the restoration of 128 vandalized electricity towers across the nation.
Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), disclosed this information during a recent quarterly meeting of the power sector working group held in Abuja. The funds were expended from January to November 2024.
Mr. Abdulaziz, represented by Olugbenga Ajiboye, Executive Director of the Transmission Service Provider at TCN, reported that vandals and robbers had destroyed 128 transmission towers throughout the country during the specified period.
He expressed concern that when apprehended, the vandals are frequently charged with theft rather than vandalism, leading to their release.
He stated, "As I report today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. To date, we have spent approximately N8.8 billion to restore them to full operational status."
"It is disheartening that each time the vandals are apprehended and handed over to law enforcement for prosecution, they are charged with theft rather than vandalism and are subsequently granted bail."
This situation arises amid a noticeable increase in acts of vandalism, which have adversely affected the national grid and electricity supply.
Earlier this month, TCN reported the destruction of the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line by vandals, resulting in a disruption of bulk power transmission.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday, November 9, 2024, disrupting the electricity supply along this critical route.
In a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, it was noted that engineers attempted to re-energize the line early that Saturday but encountered an unexpected trip.
Mbah indicated that following unsuccessful reclosing attempts, TCN dispatched a patrol team to investigate potential faults along the line.
The team discovered that three towers had been vandalized, with thieves stealing two spans of aluminum conductors from the transmission line.