TCN Engages Stakeholders on Dangers of Encroachment, Vandalism in Kebbi

From Ahmed Attahir 

                         

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to protect critical power infrastructure through a stakeholder sensitisation programme in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of encroachment on transmission rights-of-way and the vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

The programme, held at City Guest Hotel, Birnin Kebbi, brought together representatives of host communities, traditional institutions, youth groups, security agencies, relevant government establishments, and the media to foster stronger collaboration in safeguarding transmission facilities and ensuring reliable electricity transmission.

The sensitisation exercise was organised in line with directives from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and formed part of TCN’s broader efforts to educate the public on the dangers associated with building under high-voltage transmission lines, as well as the economic and operational consequences of vandalism targeting critical power infrastructure.

Welcoming participants, the Assistant General Manager, TCN Birnin Kebbi Sub-Region, Engr. Hassan Mustapha Aleiro, emphasised the importance of community participation in protecting electricity infrastructure and sustaining improvements in power transmission.

He noted that TCN had installed new transformers in several locations and was implementing various expansion and upgrade projects to strengthen the transmission network. However, he cautioned that the benefits of these investments could be undermined if vandalism and encroachment were allowed to persist.

“We have installed new transformers in several locations and are executing multiple expansion and upgrade projects. But all these will be in vain if vandalism and encroachment continue unchecked,” he said.

Engr. Aleiro further warned that constructing buildings and other structures within transmission line rights-of-way poses serious safety risks, restricts access for maintenance, and could expose residents to life-threatening electrical hazards. He therefore urged community leaders and residents to respect designated transmission corridors and promptly report suspicious activities around TCN installations.

Technical presentations by officials from TCN’s Systems Operations, Lines, and Electrical Departments highlighted the operational implications of encroachment and vandalism, including damage to transmission infrastructure, interruptions to electricity supply, and delays in restoring affected facilities. The presentations also underscored the importance of preserving transmission line corridors to enable personnel to carry out inspection, maintenance, and emergency repair work safely and efficiently.

The Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department complemented the presentations by educating participants on the dangers of living or carrying out activities close to high-voltage transmission facilities. These include electrocution, electrical accidents, and fire outbreaks, which can result in severe injuries, loss of lives, and damage to property.

The programme also provided an opportunity for security agencies and other stakeholders to reaffirm the importance of collective action in preventing attacks on electricity infrastructure. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the General Manager of the Kebbi Urban Development Agency (KUDA) Alhaji Aminu Umar, SP Bashir Usman, Police Public Relations Officer and official spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command; SD Saidu A. Rumu of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and DC Lawal Muhammed Augie of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Kebbi State.

A key component of the sensitisation exercise was the distribution of designated TCN contact hotlines to enable members of the public to report suspected vandalism, suspicious movements, and other activities that could threaten transmission installations. The initiative is expected to strengthen information-sharing between host communities, security agencies, and TCN, thereby facilitating timely responses to potential threats.

TCN reiterated that the protection of electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of individuals, communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies. The company urged residents to remain vigilant, refrain from activities that could compromise the safety of transmission installations, and promptly report suspected cases of vandalism or encroachment through the appropriate channels.