‘My office is in darkness’ — Adelabu condemns vandalism of Abuja transmission line

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, has condemned the vandalism of Abuja transmission lines. 

Earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that the electricity lines supplying power to various parts of Abuja have again been attacked, stolen and damaged by vandals.

The development comes less than one month after vandals attacked, stole and damaged TCN’s 330 kilovolts (kV) Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.

Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of a 100MVA power transformer at the 132/33 kV transmission substation in Isolo, Lagos, Adelabu described the act as a significant setback to the nation’s energy sector.

“It can be depressing when we have just completed a transformer installation and few weeks after, they are brought down by vandals,” the minister said.

“This shows that we don’t love ourselves, this does not happen in many other parts of the world.

“A lot of places are in darkness today because of these acts of vandalism.

“For four months, Bayelsa state was in darkness because of local vandalism.

“This act has thrown the Central Area in Abuja, Maitama which includes my own office in Garki Area into darkness.

“Why do we hate this our country so much for us to engage in this kind of negative activity which does nothing but draw the country backwards?

“As we are struggling to stabilise energy power transmission in the country, some people are hiding somewhere to frustrate this effort and draw the country backwards.”

The minister called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, to collaborate in ensuring the sustainability and security of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Adelabu commended TCN for its commitment and diligence in completing the new transformer project.

He highlighted its potential benefits, noting that beyond improving electricity supply, the project would bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reduce operational challenges, and foster economic growth.

“This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda which recognises that energy is not merely a commodity; it is the backbone of economic growth and job creation,” Adelabu added.

‘NEWLY INSTALLED TRANSFORMER WILL INCREASE TCN’S CAPACITY TO TRANSMIT BULK ELECTRICITY’

Sule Abdulaziz, the managing director (MD) of TCN, said the new transformer marks a significant milestone in TCN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission network despite various challenges.

He said the transformer would progressively increase TCN’s capacity to transmit more bulk electricity through substations to distribution companies (DisCos) for their customers.

“Notably, this is the first Service Level Agreement (SLA) transformer project completed and energised by the TCN,” Abdulaziz said.

“We are proud of this achievement, as every successfully completed and energised project brings us closer to realising a robust and stable grid system.

“This enhancement significantly boosts the substation’s ability to provide improved electricity supply to the Ikeja Electric (IE).

“As a result, IE will be able to transmit more power to critical areas within its network, including Airport Road, Ajao Estate, Isolo Local Council, PTC, Afprint, Idi-Araba, Aswani, and Pure Hygiene.”

The MD added that the project would enhance power availability and reliability for both residential and commercial consumers in the areas.

“It will also reduce operational challenges, promote economic growth, and create job opportunities that will drive local and regional development,” he added.

Folake Soetan, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ikeja Electric, commended TCN for the project, noting that it would enable the company to improve electricity distribution to its customers.

Rekia Momoh, acting managing director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), said the project would increase capacity and reduce load in Isolo and its environs.