TCN Spends Over N88 Billion on Vandalized Power Infrastructure Repairs Since 2021

Lagos, Nigeria — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that it has spent more than ₦88 billion on repairing vandalized power infrastructure nationwide from 2021 to date.

At a recent public sensitization event held at the Odogunyan 132kV Transmission Substation in Ikorodu, TCN’s Principal Manager for Lines, Engr. Seyi Onabajo, highlighted the financial drain caused by vandalism. He noted that funds originally intended for rebuilding and upgrading the nation’s power system are instead funneled into costly repairs. Engr. Onabajo emphasized, “The cost of repairing vandalized towers often triples the initial construction cost, and sometimes repairs take up to three to four months, leaving communities without power”.

Similarly, TCN’s Lagos Region General Manager, Engr. Mojeed Akintola, shared that restoring damaged infrastructure brings significant downtime and economic loss. For instance, after 10 towers were vandalized in Abeokuta, the company spent about ₦1 million daily on repairs, which took three months to complete. This example illustrates the high cost and prolonged impact of such sabotage on electricity supply and local economies.

The company appealed to community leaders, security agencies including police and civil defense, and local industries such as steel companies to collaborate in protecting transmission infrastructure. Community policing and vigilance, along with joint security patrols and local vigilante deployments, were identified as essential strategies to curb vandalism.

CSP Fatoberu Oyekan, Divisional Police Officer at Ogijo Police Station, advocated for stronger community partnerships, including testimonials to secure legal prosecution of vandals. He recommended that TCN engage local vigilantes to monitor and safeguard transmission towers alongside law enforcement agencies.

The combined efforts aim to reduce infrastructure theft and damage, ensuring more reliable power delivery that supports economic growth and development in Nigeria.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | August 11, 2025