The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has taken decisive action to protect the nation's electricity grid by demolishing illegal constructions that encroached on vital transmission corridors in Enugu State. This operation, carried out to prevent potential disasters, targeted structures posing immediate danger to both the public and the power infrastructure.
Targeted Demolition in Akpuoga Nike
The clearance exercise focused on two critical areas. The primary site was at Tower 31 of the vital Ugwuaji–Makurdi 330kV Double Circuit transmission line in the Akpuoga Nike community, Enugu East Local Government Area. Here, fences and other constructions had been erected perilously close to the high-voltage tower. Similar encroachments were also identified and removed along the path of a 132kV transmission line within the state.
TCN officials stated that these illegal developments created a dual threat. They presented a severe safety hazard to residents and also obstructed access for linesmen, making routine maintenance and emergency repairs difficult or impossible. The company emphasized that the demolition was a last resort, undertaken only after repeated public sensitization campaigns failed to deter the encroachment.
A Necessary Step for Public Safety
Prior to the demolition, TCN conducted extensive awareness campaigns, warning communities and traders about the dangers of building or conducting activities within the legally mandated Right of Way (RoW). The company described the demolition as "unavoidable," driven by the imperative to safeguard lives, property, and the integrity of the national grid. Unhindered access is crucial for technicians to perform inspections and swiftly address faults that could lead to widespread blackouts.
Mandatory Safety Clearances for Developers
This incident highlights the critical need for strict adherence to approved safety margins around power lines. TCN reiterated the statutory clearance requirements for its infrastructure. For high-capacity 330kV lines like the Ugwuaji-Makurdi line, a total of 50 meters of land (25 meters on each side of the tower) must remain clear. For 132kV lines, the required clearance is 30 meters (15 meters on each side).
Prospective land developers and community planners are urged to respect these boundaries. Compliance is not optional; it is essential for preventing electrocution risks, ensuring reliable power delivery, and protecting the substantial public investment in transmission infrastructure. The recent action in Enugu serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating these vital safety regulations.
