Electricity has finally returned to most parts of Bayelsa after a four-month blackout, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Monday.
The blackout began on July 29, 2024, when vandals destroyed 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilovolt (KV) power line.
This power line is the only source of electricity supply to Bayelsa State, making the damage a severe blow to residents and businesses.
Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, the General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, shared the news during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
He explained that the repairs were a significant challenge for the company.
“The repairs of the collapsed towers presented a significant challenge for us,” Anyaegbulem said. “The blackout lasted from July 29 until November 30, when we finally restored the lines.”
The General Manager also revealed that it costs about N13 million to build a single transmission tower.
“The vandalism caused a huge loss,” he added. “Once vandals cut off the brackets that hold a tower, the structure becomes vulnerable to collapse.”
The destruction of the towers caused widespread disruption across the state.
Many parts of Bayelsa had no electricity for four months, leaving residents in darkness and causing economic hardship.
The Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV line is vital for supplying power to Bayelsa, and the loss of this power source affected daily life.
TCN worked tirelessly to rebuild the towers and restore power.
“We are delighted to have erected and restrung the 20 damaged towers after four months of hardship endured by the residents,” Anyaegbulem said.
TCN also revealed that security measures were put in place to address the issue of vandalism in the region.
The company has worked closely with the police to arrest and prosecute criminals who target its facilities.
In 2024 alone, TCN officials arrested 10 suspects for vandalising power infrastructure.
“Four of them have already been convicted by the courts, while six others are still in police custody,” Anyaegbulem confirmed.
The General Manager expressed his satisfaction with the progress made despite the setbacks caused by the vandalism.
“Despite these challenges, we have achieved several important milestones this year,” he said.
Among the accomplishments, TCN installed a 100 Megavolt-Amperes (MVA) power transmission transformer at the Port Harcourt main transmission substation.
The company also upgraded the 132/33KV switch yard, which will improve the stability and reliability of the power supply.
“These improvements will help us serve the public better,” Anyaegbulem added.
In addition, TCN took delivery of a new 150MVA 330/33KV power transformer at the Adjabo transmission substation, located within the Port Harcourt transmission area.
Other notable achievements included the upgrade of the Itu 132/33KV transmission substation, with a new 60MVA transformer and several new feeders.
These developments are part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to improve power transmission and reduce outages in the region.
The restoration of power to Bayelsa will come as a relief to the state’s residents, who have endured months of power shortages.
The General Manager of TCN assured the public that the company remains committed to providing steady electricity to its customers.
“We will continue to ensure that Distribution Companies (DisCos) receive the power they need to supply uninterrupted electricity to consumers,” Anyaegbulem said.
The successful restoration of power to Bayelsa also highlights the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.
Vandalism has been a persistent problem for TCN and other power companies in Nigeria, with criminals targeting transmission lines and towers for theft or destruction.
However, TCN’s efforts to improve security and work with law enforcement seem to be making a difference.
Bayelsa’s residents, who have faced the challenges of living without electricity for months, can now look forward to a brighter future.
The restoration of power will bring relief to homes, businesses, and critical services like hospitals.
