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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that the Federal Government has spent over N88 billion to repair and restore damaged power transmission infrastructure across the country between 2021 and 2025.
This was disclosed by the TCN Principal Manager (Lines), Lagos Region, Mr Seyi Onabajo, during a one-day public sensitisation event at the Odogunyan 132kV Transmission Substation in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Thursday. The programme brought together community leaders, religious groups, security agencies, and company stakeholders to address the rising cases of vandalism targeting TCN assets.
Mr Onabajo explained that these acts of sabotage have significantly affected power supply efforts in several communities across Nigeria. According to him, the agency is now focusing on community engagement to raise awareness and reduce these criminal activities.
“We know the value of what the company is losing. The money we contribute to the government for expanding power access is now being used for repair work. From 2021 till date, the government has spent over N88 billion just on repairs due to vandalism. This is alarming,” he said.
He noted that such heavy losses continue to slow down TCN’s mission to provide steady electricity supply nationwide. “We all want 24/7 light, but how will that happen when we keep spending on repairs instead of upgrades?” he asked.
Onabajo added, “We are begging everyone to join hands and stop this menace. Vandalism is a deliberate act — people are destroying and stealing transmission equipment for personal gain, and it’s affecting all of us.”
In his remarks, TCN’s General Manager for Lagos Region, Engr Mojeed Akintola, said the long time it takes to repair damaged infrastructure means that many communities stay in darkness for months. He gave an example of a case in Abeokuta where 10 towers were vandalised.
“Once vandals bring down a tower, you have to remove the rest of the line and rebuild it. It could take two to four months,” he said. “On that particular Abeokuta line, we spent N1 million per day. Multiply that by three months — it runs into tens of millions.”
Engr Akintola also appealed to residents, security officials, and steel companies to support the TCN in protecting critical infrastructure, assuring that the agency will continue sensitising communities across the country.
Also speaking at the event, Divisional Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr A.J. Dokunmu, announced that the Lagos State Government has now set up an agency to monitor dumpsite operators and scrap dealers. He explained that many vandals use these avenues to dispose of stolen TCN components.
“With this new agency, it will be easier to trace and monitor those involved in buying stolen metal parts. The NSCDC is fully committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone caught in the act,” he said.
Divisional Police Officer of Ogijo Police Division, Mr Fatoberu Oyekan, also called on communities to take ownership of public assets like TCN lines and transformers. He advised the TCN to work with local vigilantes to improve security and support the efforts of the police.
Reacting on behalf of the communities, the Baale of Ladegboye in Ikorodu, Chief Joseph Giwa, said local leaders are ready to support the TCN but face challenges when trying to enforce laws. He alleged that some government officials sometimes interfere and discourage local enforcement efforts.
Chief Giwa also criticised TCN’s approach to infrastructure maintenance and urged the agency to do more to protect its own assets. “TCN must invest more in safeguarding its lines. They need better maintenance and faster responses to faults,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has urged the National Assembly to strengthen the laws on vandalism and ensure stiffer punishments for offenders.
TCN recently disclosed that N8.8 billion was spent on repairing vandalised facilities in 2024 alone — a figure that underscores the growing threat vandalism poses to Nigeria’s fragile power supply system.
