X-raying the ongoing Project Affected Persons PAPs sensitisation by TCN 

In this article Onu Okorie takes a look at the ongoing Project Affected Persons PAPs sensitisation by TCN and other stakeholders and the need for host communities of electricity infrastructure to take ownership and safeguard it from vandals and attacks by criminal elements in the society 

As the transmission component of power supply in Nigeria, Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN stands out as one of the most important aspect in the value chain in Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.

It is through TCN’s public power grid that the power produced by the power-generating companies GenCos is evacuated and transmitted to power distribution companies DisCos for onward connection to homes, offices, factories and other consumers.

According to the Nigeria’s National Integrated Electricity Policy, NIEP in section 1.6.2, “TCN manages a grid spanning nearly 18,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission (330 kV and 132 kV) lines, taking power from the about 29 generating stations through over 200 330/132 kV and 132/33 kV transmission substations to DisCos, directly connected customers and international customers.

Perhaps it is as a result of the scope and size of coverage of TCN that makes it imperative for it to keep upgrading infrastructure across the country. But the efforts to continue to improve the facilities has its own problems. For instance, it has generated conflicts of right of ways in communities and states that the infrastructures are mounted. Sometimes, the problems has led to attacks on the TCN infrastructure by the unscrupulous elements in society.

In order to resolve the problems, the TCN management and other stakeholders are taking the bull by the horn to ensure the safety of the TCN infrastructure by engaging in sensitisation programme for Project Affected Persons PAPs in various parts of the country to educate the host communities across the country on the need to be part of safeguarding the infrastructure. The engagement will also amicably resolve the issue of right of ways and adequate compensation for the affected persons. 

The TCN Managing Director Engineer Sule-Ahmed-ABDULAZIZ has been commended for the innovative PAPs engagement adopted in dealing with the problems of infrastructure host communities and right of ways. “This engagement has thrown light on a lot of things, particularly the issue of right of ways, compensations and cooperation between the communities and TCN, we really appreciate the Managing Director of TCN Engineer Sule-Ahmed-ABDULAZIZ”

Recently, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, in collaboration with the African Development Bank AfDB, embarked on the sensitization programme for Project Affected Persons PAPs ahead of the construction of Mando–Rimin Zakara 330kV Transmission Line in Kano state.

The programme, which was held on January 14, 2026, in Rimin Zakara Community, brought together traditional rulers from twenty-five communities in Kano State, including the Chairman of Kiru Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Sa’id Muhammad, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Director of Transmission at the Federal Ministry of Power, Engr. Abinbola Ominiyi said that the project would improve electricity supply in the region. Engr. Ominiyi called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the project and assured that adequate compensation would be paid to all affected persons.

Speaking at the event, the Assistant General Manager Transmission, Kano Region, Engr. Ibrahim Aliyu, who represented the General Manager, Transmission, Kano Region, Engr. M. K. Bello disclosed that the Federal Government has released its portion of the compensation funds. He said that payment of compensation is expected to commence between now and April.

A consultant with Resource Field Nigeria Limited, Mr. David Ayomide Sanni explained that compensation would be paid by cheque directly to beneficiaries, noting that affected persons must present their Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN) and relevant documents, adding that beneficiaries would also receive farm inputs at the conclusion of the exercise.

The other engagement was the PAPs held to protect the proposed reconstruction and upgrade of the Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV single-circuit transmission line. The programme, held on January 8, 2026, in Awka, brought together representatives of about fourteen communities in Anambra State. Communities in Abia and Imo States, numbering about seventy-nine, were also engaged along the transmission line corridor across the three states.

The workshop attracted representatives of the Anambra State Government, traditional rulers, and non-governmental organisations, who gathered to deliberate on the successful implementation of the Alaoji–Onitsha power line project. An interactive session was also held, during which stakeholders discussed key issues and the way forward.

In his remarks, the Assistant General Manager (Transmission), Onitsha Sub-Region, Engr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo who represented the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum explained that the project is aimed at improving power supply in the region. He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure smooth execution, noting that the project would boost economic activities across the affected states. He further assured participants that adequate compensation would be paid to individuals, families, and business owners impacted by the project.

Also addressing participants, the AGM/Project Manager, TCN African Development Bank Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Engr. Omobola Sobo, confirmed that provisions had been made by the government to compensate affected persons.

Engr. Sobo added that the project is one of its kind in the country, comprising two major transmission lines, the Mando–Rimi Zakara Double Circuit 330kV quad line in the North, spanning 204 kilometres, and the Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line, covering 138 kilometres. Both lines are designed to significantly increase power transmission capacity.

Earlier, the consultant from PGM Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bassey Uzodinma, explained that the number of affected structures was minimal, consisting mainly of residential and commercial buildings. He noted that the Right of Way (RoW) had been reduced, with impacts largely limited to fences, shops, and similar structures. According to him, about 355 structures are affected in Awka alone. It’s important to note that the Alaoji –Onitsha transmission line project cuts across three South-East states Anambra, Abia, and Imo.

On the other hand, the TCN has called for closer collaboration with the Lagos State Government to safeguard its critical infrastructure across the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of TCN’s Lagos Region to the Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA), the General Manager (Transmission), Engr. Mojeed Akintola stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting transmission assets.

Engr. Akintola explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties between TCN and LASPEMA, promote orderly urban development, and prevent encroachment on the rights-of-way of transmission assets throughout the state.

On his part, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who supervises the agency, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to effective land-use management, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement.

He assured TCN of LASPEMA’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to preserve designated open spaces and advance sustainable urban development in Lagos State. Earlier, the General Manager of LASPEMA, Daisi Oso, pledged the agency’s full commitment to preventing encroachers from using high-tension corridors.

It’s believed that the PAPs engagement will help enlighten Nigerians on the need to join forces in the protection of TCN infrastructure against vandalism. Perhaps, it’s because of the scope and huge responsibility placed on TCN that exposes its infrastructures to vandalism and attacks by unscrupulous elements in the society. According to the general manager of transmission service, Ali Sharifa, “a total of 86 towers were vandalised in 2024, with 26 towers completely down, which plunged affected states into total darkness.”

“These acts of vandalism spanned Abuja, Bauchi, Enugu, Shiroro, Kano, and Port-Harcourt regions. In the first and second quarters of 2025 alone, 42 acts of vandalism were recorded, affecting a total of 178 towers.” Sharifa said.

 “Recently, six towers (T306, T307, T308, T365, T366, and T367) along the Kainji-Birnin Kebbi 330kV SC (International) line collapsed in May due to windstorms and torrential rainfall,” he said. “In the same month, the Apir-Lafia-Jos 330kV DC Line Tower T137 partially collapsed due to similar weather conditions.” 

Also the TCN lines supplying power to various parts of Abuja have of recent suffered many attacks, stolen and damaged by vandals. 

In March, 2025 the TCN said that one of its critical infrastructures, the Shiroro-Katampe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission line, was vandalised, making it the fifth incident between February and March.

General Manager Public Affairs TCN Mrs Ndidi Mbah said the vandals attacked the 132-kV transmission line and underground cable transmitting bulk power to the 132-kV Central Area transmission substation, Katampe, in the Central Area of Abuja.

She also said the incident impacted eight distribution feeders serving the Central Area. “The incident, which was carried out around the Millennium Park axis of Abuja, has affected over 60% of the power supply to Abuja as the vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors on the two numbers 132kV transmission lines,” she disclosed.

In November 2024, TCN announced that its 330-kilovolt (kV) in Lokoja – Gwagwalada transmission line 1 was attacked and destroyed by vandals. There’s no gainsaying that vandalism has become a significant threat to Nigeria’s power infrastructure. 

“We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits,” she said.