The House of Representatives has moved to introduce stiffer penalties for the vandalism of power infrastructure and illegal encroachment on electricity transmission routes, warning that the growing menace is undermining investments and delaying critical power projects across Nigeria.
The House Committee on Public Assets announced the move during an inspection of the 132KV New Haven–Ninth Mile–Nsukka double-circuit transmission line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33KV substation in Owerri, Imo State.
The committee said stronger sanctions were needed to deter vandals who destroy electricity infrastructure and protect public investments in the power sector.
During the inspection, the lawmakers also raised concerns over the proliferation of buildings along designated transmission routes, describing the encroachment as a violation of rights of way that threatens the timely completion of electricity projects.
They called for closer collaboration between federal and state governments to safeguard public assets, enforce regulations and prevent further delays in the delivery of critical power infrastructure.
The committee disclosed that the Egbu 330/132/33KV substation in Owerri was about 85 per cent complete.
Upon completion, the facility is expected to contribute an additional 250 megawatts of electricity supply to Imo State, strengthening power delivery in the state.
The lawmakers stressed that protecting transmission lines, substations and other electricity assets from vandalism and illegal encroachment was essential to improving power supply and ensuring that public investments delivered the expected benefits.
They urged relevant authorities to take decisive action against offenders and ensure that transmission corridors remain free of unauthorised developments.
