Expert tasks FG to prioritise security for power transmission facilities
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Dr Olukayode Akinrolabu, a power sector expert, has called on the Federal Government to enhance security for the nation’s power infrastructure to curb the growing trend of vandalism.
Akinrolabu, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum for Festac/Satellite Town in Lagos State, made the call in an interview with the Business ( TBI Africa) on Sunday in Lagos.
It will be recalled that 132KV transmission line and underground cable transmitting bulk power to the 132KV Central Area transmission substation, Katampe, in the Central Area of Abuja, was again vandalised on Jan. 17.
Akinrolabu emphasised the critical need for the government to implement robust security measures to protect power transmission towers nationwide.
He described vandalism as a grave threat to the nation’s stability, capable of disrupting power supply and negatively impacting economic activities.
“A collective concerted effort is required to tackle this alarming issue, calling for the deployment of federal security resources to areas hosting power infrastructure,” he said.
He also recommended stricter laws to safeguard these critical assets.
He proposed that the government establish security buffers around power installations, with restricted access within 400 meters of the sites, to prevent unauthorised individuals from getting too close.
Additionally, Akinrolabu suggested that host communities be legally obligated to collaborate with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in ensuring the safety of these installations.
He advocated financial penalties for host communities that failed to protect the infrastructure from vandalism.
“Host communities should be made liable to compensate TCN for any damages caused by acts of vandalism.
“Moreover, electrical stores should be regularly checked for stolen power equipment, and anyone found selling such items should face severe penalties,” he said.
Regarding the role of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Akinrolabu commended the commission for its efforts in regulating distribution companies (Discos) but pointed out that more work was needed to address ongoing issues.
He noted that the persistence of estimated billing and the lack of sufficient meters for consumers, in spite of NERC’s policies, aimed at curbing the practice.
“Policies without proper implementation structures are ineffective.
“If NERC enacts rules against estimated billing but doesn’t provide adequate support to supply digital meters to customers, the policy becomes futile,” he explained.
Akinrolabu also suggested that the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), should collect data from Discos on unmetered customers.
He called for provision of funding to support meter distribution initiatives like CAPMI (Credited Advance Payment Metering Implementation) or NNMMP (National Mass Metering Programme).
He said that addressing these issues would not only curb power theft but also ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.
