Over the past eleven months, the Nigerian government has allocated approximately N8.8 billion to repair 128 electricity towers that were vandalized across the country.

Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), made this disclosure during a recent quarterly power sector working group meeting in Abuja. He explained that the funds were used from January to November 2024.

Represented by Olugbenga Ajiboye, Executive Director of TCN’s Transmission Service Provider, Abdulaziz stated that the destruction of the 128 towers occurred due to the actions of vandals and robbers. He expressed concern that, when apprehended, the vandals were often charged with theft rather than vandalism and were subsequently released.

“To date, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. We’ve spent approximately N8.8 billion to restore them,” Abdulaziz said. “It’s unfortunate that when these vandals are arrested and handed over to the police, they are charged with theft instead of vandalism and then granted bail.”

This statement comes amid a growing number of vandalism incidents that have had a significant impact on Nigeria’s national grid and electricity supply.

Earlier in November, TCN reported that vandals had targeted the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line, leading to a disruption in bulk power transmission. The incident, which occurred early on November 9, 2024, interrupted electricity supply along a critical route.

TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, revealed that engineers attempted to restore the line, but were unsuccessful due to an unexpected trip. A subsequent patrol team found that towers T306, T307, and T308 had been vandalized, with two spans of aluminium conductors stolen.