The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored electricity to most parts of Bayelsa State after a prolonged four-month blackout caused by massive infrastructure vandalism. The revelation was made on Monday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt by Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, which oversees Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers states.
The blackout, which lasted from July 29 to November 30, followed the criminal vandalism of approximately 20 transmission towers along the critical Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilovolt (KV) electricity line — the sole transmission line supplying power to Bayelsa. Mr. Anyaegbulem explained that the sabotage presented one of the most significant challenges faced by the TCN this year.
“The 132KV line is the only transmission line that supplies electricity to Bayelsa State. When criminals vandalized the line, they compromised 20 towers, causing a total blackout,” Mr. Anyaegbulem stated.
The General Manager outlined the challenges of repairing the damaged towers, citing the enormity of the resources required. “It costs about N13 million to construct a single transmission tower. Once vandals cut off the brackets that hold a tower, the structure becomes vulnerable to the slightest breeze. After the criminals vandalized the tower, it collapsed and triggered the failure of about 20 other towers between Ahoada in Rivers State and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State,” he explained.
The painstaking process of restoration required both financial and technical investments. TCN’s engineers and field personnel worked tirelessly under challenging circumstances to rebuild the affected infrastructure, allowing for the eventual restoration of power to the state by November 30.
The blackout, which paralyzed business and social activities for four months, drew criticism from residents, stakeholders, and business operators in Bayelsa State. Many described the period as a significant blow to economic activities, particularly for small businesses reliant on electricity.
While briefing journalists, Mr. Anyaegbulem emphasized TCN’s ongoing efforts to secure its infrastructure against future vandalism while calling on communities to collaborate in safeguarding power assets.
“The cost of these repairs is not only financial; it disrupts livelihoods and hinders development. We urge residents to help protect these facilities, which are critical for power delivery,” he added.
Mr. Anyaegbulem also outlined the company’s achievements in 2024, noting improvements in electricity transmission capacity, regional network upgrades, and partnerships to enhance grid stability. He assured that measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The restoration of power to Bayelsa marks a significant milestone for TCN, albeit amid rising concerns over infrastructure sabotage. Residents welcomed the development with relief, though many underscored the need for lasting solutions to protect transmission lines and ensure uninterrupted power supply.
