TCN Takes Anti-Vandalism Campaign To Kaduna Communities
…Warns Against Building Under Transmission Lines
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has warned residents and host communities in Kaduna State against encroaching on its Right of Way and vandalising power infrastructure, insisting that such actions endanger lives and undermine efforts to ensure stable electricity supply nationwide.
At a sensitization forum held in Kaduna on Monday, TCN engaged traditional rulers, security officials, youth leaders, and other key stakeholders on the dangers of erecting structures under high-voltage transmission lines and the rising threat of infrastructure vandalism.
The awareness drive, in line with directives from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), is part of TCN’s renewed community engagement strategy aimed at protecting national power assets.
In his welcome remarks, the General Manager, Kaduna Region, Engr. Nasir Mansur-Fada, disclosed that the company is currently executing major power expansion projects across Kaduna State, including the installation of new transformers and the upgrade of critical transmission facilities.
He, however, expressed concern that recurring acts of vandalism and illegal construction around transmission corridors continue to hinder the company’s progress.
We are committed to delivering improved and uninterrupted power supply, but this cannot be achieved if our infrastructure is constantly threatened by vandals and encroachments. The community has a vital role to play,” Mansur-Fada said.
He noted that maintenance operations are often impeded due to illegal structures built directly beneath transmission lines—posing grave risks to both lives and equipment.
During technical presentations, Manager (System Lines), Mr. Simon Innocent, and Assistant Manager (Electrical), Mr. Yakubu Abdulrazaq, highlighted how such encroachments obstruct routine inspections and heighten the risk of fatal incidents, including electrocution and fire outbreaks.
Also speaking, Senior Manager from the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department, Mr. Kenneth John, urged residents to steer clear of high-voltage areas, describing transmission corridors as “no-go zones” for residential or commercial activity.
“Transmission lines are not meant to have houses or markets beneath them. Anyone living or trading under these lines is endangering their life. Electrocution from high-voltage lines doesn’t give second chances,” he warned.
As part of efforts to bolster community surveillance, TCN’s Public Affairs Officer, Hajiya Maimuna Isah, urged community leaders to promptly report suspicious movements or attempted sabotage.
“The community is our first line of defence. We rely on traditional rulers, youth groups, and stakeholders to act as our eyes and ears,” she said.
She emphasised that local vigilance remains the most effective deterrent to infrastructure theft and sabotage.
The event ended with an interactive session where community representatives aired their concerns and pledged to support TCN’s campaign.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, Sarkin Mando, Alhaji Sani Musa, commended TCN for the initiative and vowed to mobilise grassroots support to protect power installations.
“This is a timely and necessary intervention. We’ll go back and educate our people. When these lines are tampered with, it is our communities that suffer the consequences of blackouts,” he said.
TCN said it plans to replicate the sensitization forum across more local government areas in the state, reiterating that community ownership of public infrastructure is key to achieving sustainable development and reliable electricity delivery.
TCN Takes Anti-Vandalism Campaign To Kaduna Communities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
