The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has issued a stark warning about the precarious state of its transmission facilities in the face of growing insecurity. In a recent briefing in Shiroro, the General Manager of TCN, Shiroro Region, Maiwada Sarki-Bello, revealed that the safety of transmission lines in key areas of the country is under serious threat.
Sarki-Bello highlighted the vulnerability of several vital transmission lines, including the Shiroro-Kaduna 330kV, Shiroro-Katampe 330kV, Gwagwalada 330KV, and Shiroro-Regina 132kV lines. The alarming situation has significantly impeded the company’s operations and poses a grave challenge to the stability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Furthermore, TCN identified the radial nature of the Shiroro-Tegina-Kontagora-Yauri line as a continuous source of concern. This revelation underscores the widespread and complex security issues that are impacting the TCN’s ability to deliver uninterrupted power supply across the country.
Despite the pervasive threats, Sarki-Bello acknowledged an improvement in the security landscape following the current administration’s proactive measures. He highlighted the government’s swift deployment of security personnel to safeguard the entire dam, resulting in a notable reduction in security risks.
“Insecurity remains our foremost challenge. When disruptions occur in our lines, mobilizing our staff to address these issues requires careful strategizing, often incomprehensible to our partners,” Sarki-Bello explained. “The commendable proactive stance of the Federal Government in fortifying the dam with security personnel has significantly mitigated the security threats we face.”
The sobering assessment by TCN serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of insecurity on critical national infrastructure. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard Nigeria’s power grid, protect transmission facilities, and ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity to communities across the country.
