TCN begins community engagement to protect power infrastructure

To combat the rising vandalism of power infrastructure, the Transmission Company of Nigeria on Tuesday launched a sensitisation campaign across several Federal Capital Territory communities.

The campaign took TCN officials to Leleyi Gbari, Kwali Area Council, with the aim of raising awareness among residents on the need to protect the nation’s power infrastructure.

This initiative is part of TCN’s efforts to curb the persistent vandalism that has caused significant damage to electricity facilities.

It is worth recalling that the Ministry of Power has proposed an N8bn budget before the National Assembly for advocacy, education, enlightenment, and the implementation of technology to safeguard power infrastructure.

Speaking at the sensitisation programme in Leleyi Gbari, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, highlighted the importance of community engagement in protecting national assets.

Mbah, while addressing residents, emphasised that the vandalism of power infrastructure is a serious issue that affects both local communities and the nation.

“The impact of vandalism on power installations is a major setback to socioeconomic development, leading to power outages, economic losses, and disruption of essential services.

“The consequences of these acts are far-reaching, affecting not just the immediate communities but also the entire country.

“I want to stress that ensuring the security and integrity of our power infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

“As host communities, you have a crucial role in safeguarding these vital installations,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to recognise that power infrastructure belongs to everyone and that its protection should be a collective effort.

By working together with TCN, Mbah stated, citizens could help secure the transmission towers.

“I encourage 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 vandalism and related crimes,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, TCN’s Assistant General Manager of Gwagwalada Transmission Station, Mr Ismalia Doguwa, stated that the company had been struggling with frequent vandalism.

He stressed the need for the campaign to educate communities on the importance of protecting power infrastructure.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and vigilante groups, Doguwa called for increased efforts to safeguard power installations.

“We recognise that security agencies are doing their best to protect power installations, but we urge them to step up their efforts to ensure a stable power supply,” he said.

The Head of Leleyi Gbari Community, Yusuf Sarki, expressed gratitude to TCN for bringing the sensitisation campaign to the area.

Sarki assured TCN that the community was willing to collaborate with security agencies to protect power installations.

“Now that you have brought this campaign to our community, we are ready to work with the security agencies and vigilante groups to safeguard the power installations in our area,” he said.
The community leader also took the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to connect Leleyi Gbari to the national grid.