VANDALISM: TCN Takes Sensitization Campaign On Protection Of Power Infrastructure To FCT Communities

"The impact of vandalism of power installations is a serious setback to socioeconomic development, causing power outages, economic losses, and disruption of essential services." Mbah, GM Public Affairs, TCN.

"The consequences of vandalism are far-reaching, impacting not only on the affected communities but also the entire nation".

Following cases of vandalization of power infrastructure in recent times, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Tuesday carried out a sensitization campaign in some of the communities within the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

The sensitization campaign took officials of the TCN to Leleyi Gbari, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a view to create adequate sensitization on the need for residents to help protect the nation's power infrastructure. This was part of the move by TCN to curb the incessant vandalism that has brought about a huge damage of electricity infrastructure.

General Manager Public Affairs of the TCN, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s while addressing residents of Leleyi Gbari, said that the issue of vandalism of power infrastructure was critical as it affects communities and the nation.

"The impact of vandalism of power installations is a serious setback to  socioeconomic development, causing power outages, economic losses, and disruption of essential services.

"The consequences of vandalism are far-reaching, impacting not only on  the affected communities but also the entire nation.

”I want to emphasise that the security and integrity of our power infrastructure are collective responsibilities.

”As host communities, you have a vital role to play in safeguarding these critical installations,” Mbah counselled.

She urged Nigerians to recognise that power installations belonged to all and to take their protection was a collective responsibility.

She said that by working together with TCN, the citizens can help ensure the security and integrity of the transmission towers.

”I urge you to take ownership of these power installations and report any suspicious activities or incidents to the authorities.

”Your vigilance and cooperation can significantly reduce the incidence of vandalism and related crimes," she said.

Speaking also during the sensitization campaign, Mr Ismalia Doguwa, Assistant General Manager, Gwagwalada Transmission Station, TCN, said that the company had been battling with incessant vandalism.

He said that the campaign was necessary to educate the community on the protection of power infrastructure.

He said that security agencies and vigilante groups were doing their best to protect power installations, adding that they should do more.

”We know that security agencies are doing their best to protect power installations, but we are appealing to them to do more to ensure stable power supply.

The Head of Leleyi Gbari Community, Yusuf Sarki, appreciated TCN for bringing the campaign to the community.

Sarki said that the community was ready to work with TCN and security agencies to protect power installations in their area.

”Since you have brought the campaign to our community, we are ready to work with the security agencies and vigilante groups to protect the power installations in our area," he said.

The Community Leader used the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to connect the community to the national grid.