*The Transmission Company of Nigeria warns residents and host communities against encroaching on its Right of Way, or building under high-voltage transmission lines to avoid endangering human lives, property, and undermining the Federal Government’s efforts at ensuring stable electricity supply to electricity consumers

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Against the backdrop of increasing cases of vandalism of critical power infrastructure, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has warned residents and host communities against encroaching on its Right of Way (RoW), or building under power transmission lines across the country.

绿帽献妻 reports the power company, which stated this at a consumer education and sensitisation forum, held in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, also cautioned against vandalising Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

TCN stressed that such destructive actions endanger human lives and undermine the Nigerian Government’s efforts at ensuring a stable electricity supply to homes, businesses and organisations nationwide.

According to TCN at the sensitisation forum in Kaduna, as well engaged traditional rulers, security officials, youth leaders, and other key stakeholders on the hazards of erecting buildings and other structures under high-voltage transmission lines, and the increasing threat of infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria.

The continued awareness drive in the power sector is said to be in line with directives from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and part of TCN鈥檚 renewed community engagement strategy aimed at protecting national power assets.

On vandalism, illegal construction around power transmission corridors

Speaking at the event, Engr. Nasir Mansur-Fada, General Manager, Kaduna Region at TCN, in his welcome address disclosed that the company is currently executing major power expansion projects across Kaduna State.

Mansur-Fada noted these include the installation of new transformers, and the upgrade of critical transmission facilities in the state.

The top official of the company, however, expressed concern that recurring acts of vandalism and illegal construction around transmission corridors continue to hinder the company鈥檚 progress in the area.

He also stated: 鈥淲e are committed to delivering improved and uninterrupted power supply.

“But this cannot be achieved if our infrastructure is constantly threatened by vandals and encroachments. The community has a vital role to play.”

The General Manager, Kaduna Region, as well lamented that maintenance operations are often impeded due to illegal structures built directly beneath transmission lines.

This poses grave risks to both lives and equipment, he averred.

In his remarks at the forum, Kenneth John, Senior Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department of TCN, urged residents of host communities to steer clear of high-voltage areas.

John described areas around the critical power intransmission corridors as 鈥渘o-go zones鈥� for residential or commercial activities.

He equally warned Nigerians: 鈥淭ransmission lines are not meant to have houses or markets beneath them.

“Anyone living or trading under these lines is endangering their life. “Electrocution from high-voltage lines doesn鈥檛 give second chances.”