Why our Benin infrastructure must be protected, says TCN 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has appealed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other critical infrastructure stakeholders in Edo State to continue to protect its infrastructure in Benin, the Edo State capital, due it its importance.

It said its transmission infrastructure in Benin served as a major electricity transmission hub connecting several parts of the country.

Principal Manager, Telecommunications, TCN, Engr. Onya Chukwuma, stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting, convened by the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to address incidents of vandalism, accidental damage and illegal excavation affecting critical infrastructure across the state.

Engr. Onya called for strengthened collaboration towards protecting power transmission and fibre optic infrastructure from vandalism and other forms of damage.

 Onya explained that the TCN’s transmission infrastructure towers support infrastructure for both electricity transmission and fibre optic telecommunications.

He warned that vandalism of transmission towers could disrupt electricity transmission and telecommunications services, while also posing risks to lives and property.

Engr. Onya commended the NSCDC for its continued support in safeguarding TCN’s infrastructure, even as he called for sustained collaboration among security agencies, telecommunications operators, construction companies.

On his part, the Edo State NSCDC Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.

Akintayo expressed fears over fibre optic cable cuts resulting from excavation activities and disclosed that 25 suspects had been arrested in connection with related offences.