The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed frequent national grid collapses to the vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the country.
Charles Iwuamadi, General Manager of TCN’s Benin Region, raised the concern during a community awareness program in Uwelu, Edo State. He warned residents about the dangers of constructing buildings under high-voltage transmission lines, highlighting serious safety and health risks.
“Vandalism directly causes grid collapses. Over the last five years, incidents have increased by more than 30 percent. Without our management, blackouts would have been far more frequent,” Iwuamadi explained.
He emphasized that transmission towers and lines are critical national assets, forming a network that delivers electricity nationwide. Damage to even a single line can disrupt the whole system, leading to widespread power outages.
Residents were also cautioned against living beneath transmission towers. Iwuamadi stressed that doing so exposes people to dangerous radiation and the risk of fatal accidents if lines fall.
While demolishing illegal structures is a last resort, TCN prefers educating communities to enforcing penalties. “Raising awareness is more effective than arrests. Once people understand the risks, they are more likely to cooperate,” he said.
The awareness program is part of TCN’s nationwide effort to reduce vandalism, protect the national grid, and maintain reliable electricity supply. Iwuamadi commended the Uwelu community for being cooperative along the 131-kilometre Benin–Onitsha transmission line and encouraged continued support.
Suleiman Mohammed, Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC in Edo State, echoed the warning, urging communities to protect government infrastructure. “Vandalism diverts funds from new projects to repairs. Areas with repeated damage may lose future government investments,” he said.
Community members requested improved maintenance of transmission paths, enhanced security monitoring, and upgrades to grid connections, while pledging ongoing cooperation with TCN.
