The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and major telecommunications operators have strengthened collaboration to protect critical power and telecommunications infrastructure in Edo State from vandalism, accidental damage and illegal excavation.
The renewed commitment was made at a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC in Benin City, where representatives of the power, telecommunications and construction sectors discussed practical measures to curb growing threats to electricity transmission facilities and fibre optic cables.
Speaking during the meeting, Principal Manager, Telecommunications, TCN, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, described Benin as one of Nigeria’s strategic electricity transmission hubs, noting that transmission facilities within the city play a critical role in delivering electricity to several parts of the country.
He explained that beyond transmitting electricity, TCN’s transmission towers also support fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure, warning that vandalism or damage to the facilities could disrupt power supply and communication services while posing serious risks to lives and property.
“Our transmission infrastructure is not only vital to the electricity sector but also supports telecommunications services. Any damage to these facilities has far-reaching consequences for businesses, public services and national development,” he said.
Engr. Chukwuma commended the NSCDC for its continued efforts in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, telecommunications operators, construction companies and other stakeholders to prevent vandalism and improve rapid response to incidents.
Earlier, Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets, expressing concern over the increasing cases of fibre optic cable cuts caused by excavation activities.
The Commandant disclosed that 25 suspects have been arrested in connection with offences relating to the destruction of critical infrastructure, stressing that the Corps would continue to enforce the law against individuals and organisations found culpable.
As part of measures to improve coordination, stakeholders resolved to establish a dedicated WhatsApp platform to facilitate real-time information sharing and prompt response to incidents affecting critical infrastructure across the state.
The meeting was attended by representatives of TCN, MTN, Airtel, Globacom, T2 Mobile, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance Engineers Association, construction companies, as well as officials of relevant federal and Edo State government agencies.