The Federal Government has revealed that N8.8 billion has been spent on repairing and restoring power transmission towers across the country, following widespread attacks by vandals and bandits.
This disclosure was made by Engr. Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), during the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.
Abdulaziz, represented by Engr. Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye, TCN’s Executive Director for Transmission Service Provider, noted that between January 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers have been damaged.
Abdulaziz lamented the inefficiencies in prosecuting vandals, stating that many of those apprehended are often released on bail due to charges being downgraded to theft instead of vandalism.
“When the vandals are apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution, they are bailed and return to continue vandalizing,” he said. “If they are charged with vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are.”
Highlighting the difficulties in restoring affected towers, Abdulaziz recounted the challenges faced during the restoration of the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers, where contractors required military escorts and were limited in operational hours due to safety concerns.
“How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances?” he questioned.
Speaking at the event, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, announced that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to provide electricity to 50 million Nigerians by 2030 as part of a broader initiative to extend power access to 300 million Africans.
Adelabu, represented by Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, his Chief Technical Adviser, stated that Nigeria would benefit significantly from the global initiative, emphasizing public and private sector collaboration.
“The Compact document will be signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January 2025,” Adelabu said.
“The process will focus on solutions like solar systems, mini and micro grids, grid extension, and connections.”
