Nigeria’s Power Grid Operator Pays Vigilantes to Protect Facilities
In a surprising move, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that it pays vigilante groups monthly to safeguard its facilities across the country. The admission came from Engr Isaac Okpe, General Manager of the company’s Benin Region, during a press conference in Benin City on Thursday.
According to Okpe, the move is part of the company’s efforts to protect its infrastructure and deter people from vandalizing its facilities. The TCN has been facing numerous challenges, including encroachment on its right of way, vandalism, and excavation of sand at its tower bases.
Okpe emphasized the gravity of these issues, stating that encroachment on the right of way is particularly hazardous, as it poses a risk to lives due to radiation. He pointed out that the company has had to pay compensation to acquire the right of way before constructing power lines, in order to keep hazards away from residential areas.
The company has also encountered difficulties in replacing collapsed towers, as the cost of reconstruction has risen significantly due to the high exchange rate. According to Okpe, replacing towers built several years ago can cost up to four times more than rebuilding them.
To address these challenges, the TCN is working with security agencies, state governments, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of vandalism and the importance of protecting power transmission infrastructure. The company is also upgrading its facilities in the Benin Region, resulting in a 100% improvement in power transmission capacity.
The TCN’s efforts to safeguard its facilities are crucial to ensuring reliable and efficient power transmission across Nigeria.
