Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has issued a stern warning to residents living or operating businesses beneath high-tension power lines in Kaduna State, declaring that encroachers will not be entitled to compensation in the event of accidents or electrocution.
The warning came as TCN intensified community sensitization on the dangers of vandalism and Right of Way, RoW, encroachment, which it described as growing threats to public safety and grid reliability.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement at the palace of the Sarkin Yamman Mando, Tanimu Magaji, the General Manager (Transmission), Kaduna Region, Engr. Nasir Mansur Fada, urged residents to immediately vacate buildings erected under transmission lines.
“Living or operating businesses under high-tension transmission lines exposes residents to serious health and safety hazards,” Fada warned.
He stressed that such activities violate safety regulations and endanger lives, adding that TCN would not assume responsibility for avoidable incidents.
“In the event of a line snapping and resultant electrocution, TCN will not be held liable to pay compensation to individuals who have encroached on the transmission Right of Way,” he said.
Fada explained that beyond safety concerns, vandalism and encroachment disrupt power supply, increase system downtime and raise maintenance costs, ultimately affecting electricity delivery to homes and industries.
TCN said the sensitization drive forms part of broader efforts to protect critical transmission infrastructure, ensure public safety and preserve legally designated Right of Way corridors across the country.
The company urged traditional rulers and community leaders to partner with TCN in enforcing compliance and educating residents on the risks associated with encroachment on transmission facilities.
