Vandalism deals fresh blow to power supply as Nigeria loses N8bn monthly

At least 20 electricity transmission towers were vandalised in Nigeria between January and August 2026. Four suspects have been arrested and one person killed. The attacks are intensifying pressure on the power sector, with the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) estimating that transmission losses cost the electricity market about N8 billion monthly.

Attacks undermine grid stability

Nigerians continue to face unreliable electricity supply from the national grid, and vandalism of critical transmission infrastructure is making things worse. The destruction is undermining efforts to expand the network and improve power availability.

An analysis of reported incidents shows that at least 20 electricity transmission towers were vandalised between January and August. Four suspects were arrested, and one person was killed during the period.

Although the frequency of tower attacks has declined following increased engagement with communities along transmission routes, as well as stronger collaboration with vigilantes and security agencies, vandalism remains a major threat to the stability of the national grid.

TCN forced to divert funds for repairs

NISO has said the electricity market is losing about N8 billion monthly due to transmission losses, with infrastructure vandalism identified as a significant contributor.

The continued destruction of transmission facilities is also placing additional financial pressure on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). TCN must redirect funds earmarked for grid expansion and other critical projects towards repairing damaged infrastructure. Instead of using available resources to strengthen and expand the transmission network, TCN is forced to spend heavily restoring towers and other facilities that would otherwise remain operational.

The Managing Director of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, described vandalism as one of the most persistent challenges confronting Nigeria’s electricity sector.

According to him, attacks on transmission towers, conductors, insulators and other critical equipment are disrupting electricity supply, raising operational expenses, delaying infrastructure projects and weakening investments made by the Federal Government, development partners and Nigerians.

National security priority needed

Abdulaziz stressed that protecting the transmission network should be treated as a national security priority. He called for closer cooperation among security agencies, host communities, government institutions and other stakeholders.

He also called for stronger legal and regulatory measures, including appropriate penalties for individuals involved in the destruction of critical national infrastructure.

Beyond vandalism, the TCN chief identified encroachment on transmission line Right-of-Way corridors as another serious challenge. He explained that such encroachments pose safety hazards, make routine maintenance more difficult, complicate emergency response and could limit the expansion of the transmission network in the future.

For Nigerian households and businesses, every destroyed tower means more outages, higher operating costs and delayed progress on grid stability. Until critical power infrastructure is protected, the country will keep paying heavily in both naira and lost productivity.