The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has engaged traditional leaders in Kano State to address rising cases of vandalism and encroachment on transmission line Right-of-Way (RoW).
The move is aimed at safeguarding critical power infrastructure essential for national electricity supply, particularly amid increasing incidents affecting northern Nigeria.
According to TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the Kaduna Region of the company carried out sensitisation visits this month to communities in Mando and Rigasa to tackle the growing threats.
The General Manager (Transmission), Kaduna Region, Nasir Mansur Fada, who led the delegation, said the engagements were designed to strengthen collaboration with host communities and address safety risks associated with illegal developments under high-tension power lines.
During a visit to the palace of Sarkin Mando, Alhaji Sani Musa, Fada raised concerns over the increasing rate of encroachment on designated transmission corridors. He noted that the construction of houses, shops and other structures directly beneath high-tension lines exposes residents to serious health and safety hazards, including the risk of electrocution.
He cautioned that individuals who deliberately build within the Right-of-Way areas do so at their own risk, stressing that TCN would not be liable for compensation in the event of electrical accidents, particularly if transmission lines are damaged.
Fada further warned that vandalism and RoW violations not only endanger lives but also threaten the stability and reliability of bulk electricity supply across the region and the country at large.
The sensitisation visits followed similar engagements with the District Head of Rigasa, Arch. Aminu Mohammed Idris, as part of broader efforts to promote community partnership in protecting national power assets.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to working with traditional institutions and local stakeholders to curb infrastructure sabotage and ensure uninterrupted electricity transmission nationwide.
