FG spends N8.8 billion on repairs of destroyed transmission towers in 2024 – TCN

The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, has stated that the Federal Government has invested about N8.8 billion in the repair of destroyed transmission towers across the country.

This was stated by Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, represented by the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSO), Mr. Olugbenga Ajiboye. Quarterly Energy Sector Working Group A meeting was held in Abuja on Tuesday

He noted that a total of 128 transmission towers have been destroyed by vandals and bandits since January 13, 2024. He lamented the repeated destruction of vital infrastructure and the ineffectiveness of legal action against captured criminals.

“As I speak to you today, so far 128 of our towers have been demolished by vandals or bandits, our estimate is that we have spent about N8.8 billion to bring them back to full and functional use.

“It is very sad that every time vandals are caught and taken to the police for investigation, the police charge them with theft rather than vandalism and are released on bail.

“If they are charged with vandalism they cannot be released on bail but we are here. “So many of them have been arrested, but they will always be released on bail because the police often blame their cases on theft,” he said.

Security challenges

Abdulaziz explained the challenges faced by TCN during the restoration of important transmission lines such as the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers. He explained that due to security risks, the company was forced to provide military escort to contractors.

“In some cases, they were even telling us it wasn’t safe to move there. How do we get rid of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these dire conditions? “These are part of the challenges we face in the energy sector,” he said.

Partnership for electricity expansion

Adelabu, represented by the Minister of Energy, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and the Chief Technical Adviser, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, announced a partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide electricity to 50 million Nigerians by 2030. 300 million Africans have access to electricity

“The mission is led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans, Nigeria will benefit from 50 million of this figure,” Adelabu said.

• The Minister disclosed that a compact document on this project will be signed by President Bola Tinubu in Tanzania by January 2025.
• He also noted that the initiative will involve private and public sector participation, using solar home systems, mini-grids and grid extensions to reach underserved areas.
• Adelabu acknowledged the limitations of expanding the grid to all Nigerians, citing funding constraints and commercial viability.
• But he emphasized the government’s determination to ensure access to electricity as part of the dividends of democracy.

“But that doesn’t mean we won’t give them electricity. “This is their right and part of the benefits of democracy,” he added.

What you need to know

• The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has faced numerous cases of vandalism and structural collapse that have disrupted the power infrastructure across the country.
• The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported vandalism on the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line on 19 November. Towers 29 to 31 are affected. Vandals stole a third of the conductor and disrupted repairs, which were 85% complete.
• TCN reported the vandalism incident on the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line on November 19, which affected towers 29 to 31. Vandals stole a third of the conductor and disrupted repairs, which were 85% complete
• In November, 31 towers on the Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho lines were destroyed and required urgent repairs. In addition, North-East, tower T290 The tower on the Jos-Gombe line collapsed during restoration works, while the T540 tower on the Makurdi-Jos line was partially destroyed but remained standing.
• on November 9 Three towers in Lokoja-Gwagwalada The line was vandalized, two span aluminum conductors were stolen, and power transfer was further hampered.

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