Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says it has reconnected the 132kV Owerri–Ahoada transmission line to the national grid, restoring bulk power supply to Bayelsa State and parts of Rivers State after a month-long blackout caused by vandalism.
TCN announced that the restoration was completed at about 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, following the reconstruction of four transmission towers — towers 71 to 74 — that were destroyed by vandals on March 11, 2025.
The company confirmed the development in a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah.
“With this restoration, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, can now receive bulk electricity for onward supply to Bayelsa State and parts of Rivers State, which were cut off due to the unfortunate incident,” Mbah stated.
Mbah described the successful restoration as a testament to TCN’s commitment to maintaining stable power supply across the country despite growing threats to critical infrastructure.
“We commend the dedication of our engineers and field staff who worked tirelessly to rebuild the damaged towers. TCN remains committed to delivering reliable electricity nationwide,” she added.
TCN also made a passionate appeal to host communities, urging them to take ownership of infrastructure within their domains.
“We call on communities to partner with us in the fight against vandalism. These transmission assets are national property and must be protected by all,” she said.
Power outages had crippled economic and social activities in Bayelsa and surrounding areas since the towers’ collapse, prompting public outcry and urgent calls for intervention.
The incident is one of many recent cases of infrastructure sabotage plaguing the power sector, with TCN reiterating the need for increased surveillance and stiffer penalties for offenders.
