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

‘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.

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

 - NigerianEye
Invest in US dollars: https://hashflare.io/r/CF2F6691