The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Benin Region, conducted a sensitization programme in Ogun State aimed at educating host communities on the importance of protecting transmission infrastructure from vandalism and promptly reporting suspicious activities around power facilities on Friday, 22nd May 2026.
During the engagement, TCN also enlightened residents on the dangers of erecting buildings within transmission line Right of Way corridors, emphasizing the consequences such actions pose to both offenders and the power infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the General Manager, Benin Region, Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, Assistant General Manager, Engr. Mathew Ariyibi, explained that the outreach became necessary because transmission lines traverse several rural communities where vandalism and encroachment continue to pose significant threats.
According to him, “Patrol teams have discovered cases where tower components were tampered with.” He noted that community members are often the first to observe unusual movements around transmission facilities and urged residents to promptly report such incidents to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
He further stated that TCN is currently collaborating with local vigilantes and community leaders to monitor installations in remote areas, stressing that active community participation remains critical to safeguarding the nation’s power infrastructure.
Addressing the issue of Right of Way encroachment, the AGM cautioned residents against constructing buildings or erecting structures within transmission corridors, citing serious safety implications.
Also speaking, the Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Abaniyo Otaru, described vandalism as the deliberate destruction of public infrastructure vital to national development. He noted that attacks on transmission facilities disrupt electricity supply, weaken economic activities, and create opportunities for criminal activity.
“These lines carry up to 330 kilovolts of electricity. Tampering with them endangers lives and destabilizes power supply,” Otaru warned, while calling on community leaders to support efforts to protect transmission installations.
Similarly, Engr. Pius Afonriwo described vandalism as a major challenge affecting power transmission across the country and appealed to residents to work closely with security agencies and TCN to safeguard critical infrastructure.
“These facilities belong to all Nigerians. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Moyegesho of Itele Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Pledge, assured TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting transmission installations within the area. He noted that the community understands the critical role transmission infrastructure plays in sustaining electricity supply and supporting national development.
The sensitization programme forms part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to curb vandalism, prevent Right of Way encroachment, and strengthen the reliability and stability of bulk power transmission across its network.