The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced urgent rehabilitation works on critical electricity transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi–Eket 132kV double-circuit line following recent acts of vandalism in Akwa Ibom State.
The emergency intervention focuses on damaged high-voltage structures, specifically Towers J4 and N9 through N12, which form a vital segment of the regional power grid supplying electricity across the oil-rich coastal axis of southern Nigeria.
Speaking during an on-site inspection on Friday, 25 September 2026, the Assistant General Manager for Transmission in the Port Harcourt Region, Ubani Raymond—who represented Regional Manager Nasir Bello confirmed that the vandalized tower frames had been completely dismantled and their foundation bases solidly recast to ensure structural resilience.
Mr. Raymond explained that the inspection was conducted to guarantee strict compliance with national engineering specifications, allowing technical teams to make real-time adjustments as reconstruction progresses. He also issued an appeal to host communities, calling on residents in the Ikot Abasi axis to remain vigilant and partner with security agencies to protect national power infrastructure from criminal syndicates.
To accelerate the restoration process and minimize power supply disruptions, TCN management strategically engaged two separate contracting firms to work concurrently on the affected sections.
However, field engineers monitoring the project noted that environmental conditions have posed operational hurdles. Head of Lines for the Port Harcourt Transmission Region, Azuh Lucky, acknowledged that the difficult swampy terrain and persistent seasonal rainfall across the Niger Delta corridor have slowed the pace of heavy machinery and material deployment.
Despite the environmental challenges, officials expressed satisfaction with the pace of work. The principal manager of the Uyo Work Centre, Eguaikhide Clement, praised the contractors for demonstrating an understanding of the project’s urgency, assuring that the grid operator is maintaining rigorous oversight to bring the 132kV double-circuit line back into full operational capacity.
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