The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has urged communities hosting power transmission infrastructure to actively support efforts to curb vandalism of transmission towers.

This appeal was made by Akpa Anyaegbunam, TCN’s General Manager for Port Harcourt Region, during a youth sensitisation program held in Igbu Ehuda, Rivers State, on Friday.

Anyaegbunam highlighted the severe impact of vandalism on both local communities and Nigeria’s broader socio-economic progress.

“Beyond the substantial financial costs incurred in repairing damaged infrastructure, such acts result in prolonged power outages,” he said. He pointed out that 20 transmission towers were vandalised along the Ahoada-Yenagoa power line in July 2024, causing a four-month blackout in Bayelsa State.

The TCN official stressed the importance of youth involvement in protecting these vital assets. “We are not suggesting that the youths themselves are directly involved, but no stranger can enter a community and damage infrastructure without the support or complicity of someone from that community,” he explained.

Isaiah Sunday, a youth leader from one of the host communities, expressed readiness to partner with TCN in safeguarding power facilities. “The establishment of surveillance teams will ensure community leaders and youths are actively involved in protecting these power assets from vandals,” he said.

TCN’s ongoing sensitisation campaign aims to raise awareness and foster community ownership in protecting national power infrastructure.