Nigeria’s fragile power infrastructure has come under renewed threat, with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reporting a disturbing rise in vandalism across the national grid. Within the first half of 2025 alone, 42 separate attacks have resulted in the destruction or damage of 178 transmission towers nationwide.
Speaking on Thursday in Keffi, the General Manager of Transmission Services at TCN, Mr. Ali Sharifa, described the extent of the damage as catastrophic, warning that these acts of sabotage are crippling electricity delivery across the country. The continuous attacks not only exacerbate power outages but also pose a direct risk to national development and energy security.
The wave of destruction underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power grid, which continues to battle system collapses, load shedding, and inconsistent electricity supply. The consequences extend beyond power disruptions—industries stall, businesses shut down, and households are plunged into darkness, deepening the socio-economic divide in many communities.
Vandalism of transmission infrastructure is more than just a criminal offense—it is an economic sabotage with national implications. The frequency and scale of the damage have cost the country millions in lost energy output and infrastructure repairs, while many regions affected by these outages already suffer from poverty and high unemployment rates.
The TCN’s latest disclosure comes at a critical time as Nigeria aims to bolster economic growth and diversify its revenue streams. Reliable electricity is fundamental to achieving those goals, yet the sector remains plagued by challenges in transmission and distribution, despite strides made in power generation.
TCN, which is tasked with moving electricity from generation plants to distribution networks, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s energy ecosystem. However, its operations are being severely hampered by the ongoing sabotage, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the national grid.
Stakeholders are urging the federal government to intensify efforts to secure power infrastructure. Recommendations include deploying dedicated security around key transmission corridors, strengthening collaboration with local communities, and enforcing stricter legal action against offenders.
Ensuring consistent and affordable electricity is central to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s top economies. To reach that goal, public and private sector collaboration is crucial in fortifying infrastructure, deterring vandalism, and restoring confidence in the national grid.