Vandalisation of transmission lines: Senate urges FG’s urgent intervention in North East as blackout persists

…demands urgent construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KV transmission line

Apparently disturbed by the incessant vandalisation of towers and transmission lines in the North East of Nigeria, the Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to intervene to ameliorate the incessant power blackout in the region.

The Senate also directed that the Federal Ministry of Power to implement the recommendations outlined in Sections 209, 210, 211, 212, and 213 of the Electricity Act 2023 to enhance the security of transmission infrastructure. Also, to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilantes in host communities of TCN transmission lines to deter and prevent acts of vandalism.

The Senate further resolved that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power to as a matter of urgency allocate funds to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to address the faults along the Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line and restore power supply to affected areas, especially on all affected towers.

Also directed the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite the construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KV transmission line, in alignment with the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) and the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), to connect the North-East region to the South-East transmission network.

The motion promoted by Senator Haruna Manu representing representing Taraba Central Senatorial District and 16 Senators listed below from the geo-political zone on Wednesday moved on the motion tagged ‘URGENT NEED FOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS THE VANDALIZATION OF TRANSMISSION LINES IN THE NORTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA’

Co-Sponsors:

Sen. David S. U Jimkuta (Taraba South)

Sen. Isah Shaibu Lau (Taraba North)

Sen. Abbas Aminu Iya (Adamawa Central)

Sen. Amos Yohana (Adamawa North)

Sen. Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South)

Sen. Kaila Samaila Dahuwa (Bauchi North)

Sen. Ahmed Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central)

Sen. Shehu Buba Umar (Bauchi South)

Sen. Goje Muhammed Danjuma (Gombe Central)

Sen. Siyako Yaro Anthony (Gombe South)

Sen. Dankwanmbo Ibrahim Hassan (Gombe North)

Sen. Kaka Shehu (Borno Central)

Sen. Monguno Muhammed Tahir (Borno North)

Sen. Aliyu Ndumi (Borno South)

Sen. Geidam Ibrahim (Yobe East)

Sen. Ahmed I. Lawan (Yobe North)

Sen. Ibrahim Muhammed Bornai (Yobe South)

Manu submitted that “the vandalization of critical electricity transmission infrastructure poses a significant threat to the economic prosperity, public health, safety, and security of the North-East region of Nigeria;

Noting that” recent incidents of vandalization along the Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line have resulted in severe disruptions to power supply. This has affected millions of residents, hospitals, commercial activities, communication networks, public safety, and the overall well-being of the people in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, and Borno States.

And the frequent vandalization of transmission lines especially the destruction of TCN towers, not only disrupts the electricity supply in the affected states but also compromises essential services such as healthcare and education. It also exacerbates insecurity issues, and imposes a heavy financial burden on public resources for the repair and replacement of infrastructural damages.

The indirect effects of power outages on food production further strain the food inflation of the country, impacting the availability and affordability of agricultural products, particularly in the North-East region, which is a major cultivator and producer;

The Taraba born Senator further explained that the proposed alternative transmission line route, namely the construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KV transmission line, offers a viable solution to mitigate the risks of vandalization and improve the resilience and reliability of the electrical infrastructure in the region.

Stressing that “by investing in alternative transmission routes and enhancing security measures, we can safeguard the well-being of our communities, promote economic stability, and ensure the reliable supply of electricity for all residents and businesses.

Rounding up Senator Manu said that” it is profitable for the nation to enhance accessibility and affordability of high-quality power supply services to support these states and their citizens;