House Committee Moves To Strengthen Penalties For Power Infrastructure Vandalism

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has announced plans to introduce stiffer penalties for the vandalism of power infrastructure as part of efforts to address the growing destruction of public assets and protect investments in the electricity sector.

The committee disclosed this 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.

During the inspection, the lawmakers expressed concern over the increasing cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, noting that the activities were undermining investments and affecting efforts to improve power supply across the country.

The committee also identified the proliferation of buildings along designated transmission routes as another major challenge facing the timely execution of power projects.

It observed that some structures had been erected within protected transmission corridors in violation of established rights-of-way, creating obstacles to construction activities and delaying the completion of critical electricity infrastructure.

The lawmakers called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to protect public assets, address encroachment on transmission routes and ensure the timely delivery of ongoing power projects.

They stressed the need for improved enforcement of existing regulations and appropriate sanctions to discourage individuals and groups involved in the destruction of public electricity infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Egbu 330/132/33KV substation in Owerri, Imo State, which is approximately 85 per cent completed, is expected to contribute an additional 250 megawatts of electricity supply to the state upon completion.

The committee noted that the successful completion and protection of such projects would support efforts to improve electricity distribution, strengthen transmission capacity and enhance power supply to residents and businesses.