The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed dismay over the persistent vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure in Abuja, describing it as a major impediment to the nation’s power sector.
This condemnation follows the recent attack on the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) supply lines, which plunged various parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including the minister’s office in Garki, into darkness.
The incident marks another disruption barely a month after vandals targeted the Shiroro-Katampe 330 kilovolts (kV) transmission line.
Speaking at the inauguration of a 100MVA power transformer at the 132/33kV transmission substation in Isolo, Lagos, Adelabu lamented the recurrent setbacks caused by vandalism.
“This act has thrown the Central Area in Abuja, Maitama, and even my office in Garki into darkness. Why do we hate this country so much to engage in such negative activities? It’s disheartening that as we strive to stabilize energy power transmission, some people are working against our progress,” Adelabu said.
He urged stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, to collaborate on safeguarding power infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of unity to drive national development.
At the event, Adelabu commended TCN for completing the Isolo transformer project, highlighting its potential to enhance electricity supply, bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and drive economic growth.
“This project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognizes energy as the backbone of economic growth and job creation,” the minister added.
Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director of TCN, described the project as a milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network.
He explained that the new transformer would increase TCN’s capacity to transmit bulk electricity to distribution companies, benefiting areas like Airport Road, Ajao Estate, and Isolo Local Council.
“Every completed project brings us closer to achieving a robust and stable grid system,” Abdulaziz noted.
Folake Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric, and Rekia Momoh, Acting MD of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, also lauded the initiative, citing its potential to enhance power availability and reliability in their operational areas.
Despite progress in power infrastructure development, Adelabu reiterated the urgency of addressing vandalism to secure sustainable energy delivery across Nigeria.
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