Curbing vandalism to improve power supply in Nigeria By CONSTANCE ATHEKAME

Vandals have continued to destroyed electricity towers and infrastructure in parts of the country throwing Nigerians in total or partial blackout.

As expected, their activities have become a major source of worry for stakeholders in the power sector.

The infrastructure affected include transmission lines, towers substations, generation and distribution equipment, is hindering the country’s ability to provide reliable electricity to its citizens.

The destruction of these facilities is undermining government’s initiatives to drive economic growth and prosperity.

For instance, on September 21 Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) tower T372, along Gombe -Damaturu-Maiduguri 330 Kilovolt (kV) transmission line was brought down by vandals.

Also on July 29, vandals destroyed 13 towers on the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuit transmission line

On August 2, two transmission towers, T98 and T99 along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa were also destroyed by vandals.

Between July 1 and August 11, TCN installations were said to have experienced numerous vandalism and widespread attacks in the six weeks, affecting every transmission region of the TCN. The list goes on.

“The growing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers has become a serious challenge, severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure and hindering the expansion and stability of the national grid.

“This recent incident adds to an alarming pattern of attacks on the transmission network nationwide,’’, the media recently quoted Ndidi Mbah, spokeswoman of TCN as saying.

Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) say funds that would have been used for other power projects are spent on fixing infrastructure destroyed by vandals.

In the past few weeks, according to available records, no fewer than 20 towers have been pulled down by vandals.

While many believed that those vandals were terrorists, some say they are individuals whose intention is mainly to steal irons and cable.

The latest of the destruction took place in the northern part of the country leading to the tripping off of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)   330 Kilo Volt (KV) Ugwaji–Apir Double Circuit transmission lines 1 and 2.

The Shiroro – Mando 330kv line 1 tripped off on Sept. 9, patrol of safe area was done, but faulty section could not be reached due to insecurity.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said attacks on power transmission towers, especially in the northern parts of the country, are acts of terrorism that would be dealt with by security forces.

Adelabu pushed for stiffer laws to combat the vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure.

He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of a bill that would make vandalism of electricity transmission installations a capital offense.

According to him, the current fines are too lenient, suggesting that capital punishment may be necessary to deter would-be vandals.

“There must be stiffer penalties. There has to be stiffer penalties, it may not just be one month, two months or such fines. Those are too petty he Ministers said:

“There must be stiffer penalties. There has to be stiffer penalties, you said capital punishment, yes, maybe. It may not just be one month, two months or such fines. Those are too petty,” he said.

The minister also proposes banning the sale of scrap metals, citing its role in the destruction of electricity assets.

The TCN had continually expressed concerns over the rise in vandalism of transmission installations across the country.

While the executive is challenges the legislature to provide more legal teeth to the fight against vandals, the House of Representatives thinks the executive should up its game in protecting the infrastructure.

The House in a recent resolution tasked Federal Government on the need to deploy technology-driven surveillance systems, such as drones and CCTV cameras to safeguard transmission lines and other critical power infrastructure nationwide.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to safeguard and secure transmission lines, protect critical power infrastructure from incessant vandalism towards ensuring uninterrupted power supply, sponsored by Hon. Sani Bala.

Bala expressed concern that two towers along its 330OKV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2 that were vandalised, thereby damaging the transmission lines, resulting in blackouts in some parts of Kano and Kaduna States.

The House noted that the TCN has reported five transmission line destruction incidents since February due to vandalism, expressing regret for the situation.

“The House is aware that the vandalism of transmission lines has led to frequent power outages in mayor regions and states.

“It has negatively impacting socio-economic activities, business operations, and overall quality of life, thus imposing financial burden on the government.

“The House is worried that the consistent power outage in these regions impacts negatively on critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and security installations, exacerbating insecurity, reducing productivity, and limiting economic growth.

“The House is also worried that Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure is at risk of vandalism, causing frequent blackouts and threatening reliable electricity supply.

“Potentially derailing plans to expand the national grid, attract foreign investments, and achieve energy sustainability.

“The House is cognisant of the need for a coordinated and comprehensive security strategy involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.

“ To secure these transmission lines, protect critical energy infrastructure, and ensure uninterrupted power supply in affected areas,” it said.

The House also tasked management of TCN to sensitise local communities along the affected routes to the importance of safeguarding public infrastructure.

But the TCN says it cannot carry out the task alone and its General Manager, Kaduna Region, Mr Ganiyu Aliyu has cried out to stakeholders for help.

Aliyu said at a town hall meeting organised at Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State it was important for stakeholders to collaborate in curbing the persistent these illegal encroachments.

Aliyu also highlighted the severe dangers posed by constructing buildings under high-tension installations.

He decried that TCN’s progress was continually thwarted by vandals whom he said, with every step forward taken by the company, pushed it ten steps back.

The general manager appealed to traditional leaders to act as guardians of these assets in their communities, urging them to educate their people on the dangers of encroachment and vandalism. (NAN Features)