Nigeria: TCN logs 131 vandalism cases in 2025

TCN described vandalism as one of the most persistent threats to the stability of Nigeria’s power transmission system

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recorded 131 cases of infrastructure vandalism across its network between January and November 2025.

The company also reported that it achieved a historic milestone in electricity transmission this year, according to an official end-of-year statement by its management.

Local media reported that the disclosure was made by TCN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Suleiman Abdulaziz in an end-of-year message to staff, partners and stakeholders.

Threat to grid infrastructure in Nigeria

In it he described vandalism as one of the most persistent threats to the stability of Nigeria’s power transmission system.

Abdulaziz said the vandalism incidents affected critical transmission infrastructure nationwide, disrupting grid operations and placing additional pressure on maintenance and restoration efforts. 

He described the challenge as “thorny”, noting that deliberate damage to power assets continues to undermine supply reliability despite improvements in grid capacity.

TCN addressing vandalism challenge in Nigeria

In response, the TCN boss said the company is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), other security agencies and community groups to curb attacks on transmission infrastructure. 

He added that management would intensify public sensitisation and community engagement to encourage the protection of critical national assets.

Despite the vandalism challenges, TCN recorded a historic high in electricity transmission in 2025, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s power sector.

TCN racks up record numbers in 2025

According to Abdulaziz, the company transmitted an all-time peak of 5,801.84MW on 4 March 2025, the highest level of electricity ever carried on the national grid. 

On the same day, TCN achieved a maximum daily energy delivery of 128,370.75MWh, also a national record.

The managing director attributed the performance to ongoing grid expansion, improved operational discipline and the commissioning of new transmission assets across the country.

As part of its network reinforcement efforts, TCN commissioned 82 new power transformers in 2025, adding more than 8,500 megavolt amperes (MVA) of transformation capacity to the national grid. 

Strengthening the grid

The company also made progress on several transmission projects funded by development partners, with investments valued at more than $1.16 billion.

Abdulaziz said these investments were critical to strengthening grid resilience and supporting higher levels of power generation and evacuation, particularly as Nigeria continues efforts to stabilise electricity supply and reduce system constraints.

He, however, warned that sustained vandalism could erode the gains made, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, host communities and security institutions to safeguard power infrastructure.

TCN clears illegal structures encroaching on transmission lines

In a related development, TCN said it had removed illegal structures encroaching on its transmission line Right of Way (RoW) in parts of Enugu State, as part of ongoing efforts to protect critical power infrastructure and ensure public safety.

In a statement posted on X this week, the company said the demolition exercise affected fences and other structures erected dangerously close to Tower 31 of the Ugwuaji–Makurdi 330kV Double Circuit transmission line at Akpuoga Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area, as well as other illegal developments along the corridor of a 132kV transmission line.

TCN said the structures posed serious safety risks and obstructed access required for routine maintenance and emergency repairs.

The company said it had previously carried out sensitisation campaigns, warning residents and traders against building or conducting activities within transmission corridors.

According to TCN, the demolition was unavoidable and was undertaken to prevent accidents, safeguard lives and property and ensure unhindered access for linesmen.

The company reiterated that approved safety clearances for transmission lines are 50 metres for 330kV lines (25 metres on each side) and 30 metres for 132kV lines (15 metres on each side), stressing that strict adherence remains essential for reliable power delivery and the safety of host communities.

Cover photo:  TCN recently removed illegal structures encroaching on its transmission line Right of Way (RoW) in some areas of Enugu State. Source: TCN/X