The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has blamed a combination of vandalism and extreme weather conditions for the recent collapse of a major power transmission tower in Kaduna, which disrupted electricity supply in parts of the state. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has further highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s fragile power infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the company, TCN explained that preliminary investigations revealed that vandals had tampered with the tower’s structural components, weakening its stability before a violent storm struck the area. The strong winds, according to the company, ultimately brought down the already compromised structure, cutting off power transmission to several communities.
The collapse has plunged many households, businesses, and public institutions into darkness, sparking concerns over the security of critical national infrastructure. Residents of affected areas have expressed frustration at the development, noting that unreliable electricity continues to hamper economic activities and quality of life.
TCN officials assured that emergency teams have already been deployed to the site to assess the damage and begin immediate reconstruction work. The company pledged to restore supply as quickly as possible while also appealing to the public to remain patient as efforts are made to stabilize the grid in the affected zones.
The power utility further condemned the persistent acts of vandalism targeting its facilities across the country, describing them as deliberate sabotage against national development. It warned that such criminal activities not only damage expensive infrastructure but also slow down efforts to provide Nigerians with reliable electricity.
Stakeholders in the power sector have called for stronger security measures around transmission facilities, including surveillance and community collaboration, to curb vandalism. They argue that without protection of existing assets, government investments in expanding the grid will continue to suffer setbacks.
As Kaduna awaits restoration of supply, the incident underscores the broader difficulties facing Nigeria’s power sector, which continues to battle inadequate infrastructure, sabotage, and natural disruptions. TCN reiterated its commitment to overcoming these challenges, promising that work on rebuilding the collapsed tower will be completed within the shortest possible time.
