The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says vandalism of its infrastructure is draining billions from its budget, delaying network expansion, and keeping communities in darkness.
Between 2021 and 2025, TCN has spent over ₦88 billion repairing vandalised power towers, cables, and transformers—funds originally meant for expanding electricity supply.
According to TCN Lagos Region’s General Manager, Mojeed Akintola, most of the money earmarked for new installations is now being redirected to fix damaged infrastructure.
Repairing vandalised towers is a slow process. Akintola revealed that restoring 10 towers in Abeokuta after a major attack took three months, costing TCN ₦1 million per day.
TCN is appealing to traditional leaders and residents to monitor equipment in their areas and discourage vandalism, which disrupts both residential and business activities.
The Police through the DPO Ogijo, CSP Fatoberu Oyekan, urged residents to serve as witnesses in court cases to ensure vandals are prosecuted.
According to him, many cases collapse due to lack of testimony.
NSCDC’s Ikorodu Central District Officer, CSC Adekunle Dokunmu, warned steel manufacturers to reject stolen metals and cables, and revealed Lagos State now monitors scrap operators.
Security agencies also advised TCN to engage community vigilantes to work alongside police and civil defence in protecting critical infrastructure.
The Baale Ladigboye of Ikorodu, Joseph Giwa, praised TCN’s outreach and called for monthly awareness campaigns alongside increased patrols at installation sites.
