Edo State Urged to Protect Power Infrastructure from Vandalism

The Transmission Company of Nigeria's Benin Regional office has made a passionate appeal to the Edo State Government and local communities to collaborate in safeguarding the state's electricity transmission infrastructure. This call to action was made by Charles Iwuamadi, the General Manager of TCN's Benin Region, during a stakeholders' meeting convened by the Edo State Ministry of Power. The meeting aimed to address the persistent challenges facing electricity supply in the state. Iwuamadi expressed deep concern over the frequent attacks on transmission facilities by vandals, which have resulted in significant financial losses and prolonged periods of power disruption. He emphasized the need for the state government to assist in removing illegal structures and activities along the transmission line corridors, noting that compensation had already been paid to affected communities prior to the installation of transmission towers. Iwuamadi also acknowledged the efforts of security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in apprehending suspected vandals. However, he stressed that stronger collaboration between communities and authorities is essential to combat vandalism. Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, explained the company's role in transmitting bulk electricity from generation companies to distribution companies across the country. Despite Nigeria's generation capacity remaining between 4,500 and 5,000 megawatts for many years, the transmission network in Edo State and other parts of the country has continued to expand. Mbah highlighted several ongoing and completed projects in the region, including the Ihovbor-Ajaokuta Transmission Line 1 and the upgrade of the Irrua Transmission Substation. The TCN officials warned that vandalism poses a significant threat to investments in the sector and urged residents to protect public electricity infrastructure. Assistant General Manager, System Operations, Benin Region, Engr. Patrick Amos, clarified that TCN's responsibility ends at the delivery of electricity to distribution company load centres, noting that the company does not handle direct distribution to end users. The meeting was attended by representatives from various stakeholders, including the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and civil society organisations.