The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has called on stakeholders to join efforts to tackle ongoing vandalism and encroachment within transmission Right of Way areas.
Speaking at a town hall meeting, in Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna, General Manager of the Kaduna Region, Engineer Ganiyu Aliyu, represented by Assistant General Manager Technical Services, Engineer Abubakar Usman, discussed the dangers of building under high-tension installations and how vandalism hinders the federal government’s goal of uninterrupted power supply.
Engineer Usman also highlighted that TCN’s progress is repeatedly thwarted by vandals and called on traditional leaders to act as custodians, educating their communities on the risks of encroachment and vandalism.
According to Engr. Usman, “Over a hundred transmission towers were vandalised in 2024 alone in areas such as Rigachikun, Barakallahu, Kwarau, Birnin Yaro, Jaji, and Kwanan Dangora. He also noted the health hazards of constructing buildings under high-tension lines.”
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Ahmad Rufai Sani, Principal Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment for the Kaduna Region, outlined the health risks, including leukemia and stunted growth in children, and emphasised the need to maintain safe distances from transmission lines: 50 meters for 330kV lines, 30 meters for 132kV lines, and 11 meters for 33kV lines.
District Head of Jaji, Alhaji Adamu Saleh praised TCN’s community outreach and committed to raising awareness about high-tension installations’ dangers. He suggested TCN work with the Kaduna State Urban Planning Agency (KASUPDA) to prevent construction under transmission towers.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, Commandant of the Armed Forces and Staff College Jaji, represented by Commodore Dickson Chigbata, criticised the term “vandalism” for cutting tower members and selling them as scrap, calling it theft and a serious crime. He pledged support in combating this issue.
ASP Kefas Liberty from Jaji Police Command reported two arrests in June by the Kaduna State Vigilante Service and community vigilance.
He urged the public to stay alert and support security efforts.
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