TCN Sensitises Ogun Communities on Protection of Power Installations, Right of Way

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, Benin Region, has carried out a sensitisation programme in Ogun State aimed at educating host communities on the need to protect transmission infrastructure from vandalism and report suspicious activities around power facilities.

The awareness campaign, held on Friday, formed part of efforts by the company to curb vandalism and prevent encroachment on transmission line Right of Way corridors.

Speaking during the engagement on behalf of the General Manager, Benin Region, Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, Assistant General Manager, Engr. Mathew Ariyibi, said the initiative became necessary because transmission lines pass through several rural communities where vandalism and encroachment remain major threats.

According to him, TCN patrol teams had discovered instances where tower components were tampered with, stressing that community residents are often the first to notice suspicious movements around transmission facilities.

He urged residents to promptly report such activities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

Ariyibi further disclosed that the company is collaborating with local vigilantes and community leaders to monitor installations in remote areas, adding that active community participation is essential to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

He also cautioned residents against constructing buildings or erecting structures within transmission corridors, warning that such actions pose serious safety risks to lives and the power infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Abaniyo Otaru, described vandalism as the deliberate destruction of public infrastructure crucial to national development.

Otaru noted that attacks on transmission facilities disrupt electricity supply, weaken economic activities and create opportunities for criminal activities.

“These lines carry up to 330 kilovolts of electricity. Tampering with them endangers lives and destabilises power supply,” he warned.

Similarly, Engr. Pius Afonriwo described vandalism as a major challenge affecting electricity transmission nationwide and appealed to residents to work closely with security agencies and TCN to protect critical infrastructure.

“These facilities belong to all Nigerians. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the host community, the Moyegesho of Itele Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Pledge, assured TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting transmission installations within the area.

He said the community understands the importance of transmission infrastructure in sustaining electricity supply and supporting national development.

The sensitisation programme is part of TCN’s ongoing nationwide campaign to strengthen the reliability and stability of bulk power transmission across its network.