We must put vandalism to a halt!
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has once again brought to light the persistent issue of infrastructure vandalism, a challenge that continues to undermine the country’s power sector and prevent the delivery of reliable electricity to millions of Nigerians. At a recent Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja, TCN’s Managing Director, Suleiman Abdulaziz, highlighted the distressing reality that vandals and bandits continue to destroy critical transmission infrastructure with little consequence.
Abdulaziz’s comments on the failure to properly prosecute those caught vandalising power infrastructure are both concerning and telling. The fact that TCN has spent approximately N8.8 billion to repair 128 transmission towers destroyed by criminals serves as a stark reminder of the enormous financial burden this issue places on the power sector. However, the root cause of the problem lies in the inability of law enforcement to charge offenders for the specific crimes they commit. Instead of facing charges for vandalism, perpetrators are often charged with theft, a lesser offence that enables them to secure bail and return to their criminal activities. This systemic failure not only allows criminals to evade justice but also emboldens them, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to protect vital infrastructure.
The failure to hold vandals accountable sends a dangerous message: that crimes against public infrastructure will not be met with the full force of the law. It is essential that the legal system reconsiders the charges brought against those involved in these crimes. Vandalism is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences, not just for the businesses and agencies maintaining the infrastructure but also for the millions of Nigerians who suffer from power outages due to these attacks. Holding offenders accountable by ensuring they face proper charges, such as vandalism, would send a strong deterrent message and help protect national assets.
The situation is further complicated by the challenges faced by contractors tasked with restoring damaged towers. In certain areas, contractors must work under dangerous conditions, often requiring military escorts and operating under strict time limitations. The insecurity surrounding areas like the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers clearly demonstrates the scale of the threat posed to contractors, making it even more difficult to rebuild and maintain critical power infrastructure. How can Nigeria’s power sector thrive if these fundamental obstacles continue to hinder progress? A coordinated response between security agencies, government, and the private sector is urgently needed to ensure the safety of contractors and the swift restoration of damaged infrastructure.
On a more optimistic note, there is some hope on the horizon. Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, recently announced a major partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide electricity access to 50 million Nigerians by 2030, as part of the ‘Mission 300’ project. This ambitious initiative, aimed at delivering electricity to 300 million Africans, has the potential to make a significant impact on electricity access in Nigeria. The project will use a combination of solar systems, mini and microgrids, and grid extension, although challenges such as funding constraints and the limited commercial viability of certain regions will need to be addressed.
While these efforts are commendable, their success hinges on the protection of existing power infrastructure. The government must prioritise the safeguarding of key assets to ensure that any progress made in expanding electricity access is not undermined by further vandalism and destruction. A robust legal framework to prosecute vandals and bandits is crucial in breaking the cycle of destruction and rebuilding that has long plagued the power sector.
Nigeria’s power sector is at a critical crossroads. While the government’s plans to expand electricity access through initiatives such as ‘Mission 300’ are promising, real progress will remain unattainable if the issue of vandalism and infrastructure destruction is not urgently addressed. A comprehensive approach, involving stronger legal actions, improved security measures, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, is needed to protect the power infrastructure essential for Nigeria’s development. Only then can we look forward to a future where reliable electricity is available to all Nigerians.
