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TCN seeks support to tackle vandalism, illegal structures

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8 months ago

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has urged stakeholders to collaborate in curbing the persistent vandalism and illegal encroachments within the transmission ‘Right of Way’.
The General Manager of TCN’s Kaduna Region, Mr Ganiyu Aliyu, represented by the Assistant General Manager of Technical Services, Mr Abubakar Usman, made this call during a town hall meeting organized at Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Aliyu highlighted the severe dangers posed by constructing buildings under high-tension installations, lamenting that vandalism had significantly hampered the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve an uninterrupted power supply.
 He decried that TCN’s progress was continually thwarted by vandals who, with every step forward taken by the company, pushed it ten steps back.
The general manager appealed to traditional leaders to act as guardians of these assets in their communities, urging them to educate their members on the dangers of encroachment and vandalism.
Aliyu expressed concern over the recurrent destruction of transmission towers, revealing that over 100 towers had been vandalised in 2024 alone.
This, he said, spanned Rigachikun, Barakallahu, Kwarau, Birnin Yaro, Jaji, and Kwanan Dangora.
Addressing the issue of encroachment, Aliyu pointed out that many people were unaware of the severe health risks they face by building homes, schools, or shops under high-tension lines.
During the meeting, the Principal Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment, Kaduna Region, Ahmad Rufai Sani, further elaborated on the health hazards associated with such practices.
 He explained that high-tension lines carry high voltages over long distances, leading to long-term health issues such as leukemia and stunted growth in children.
Sani also warned that in the event of a power outage, these lines could produce deadly sparks capable of setting nearby buildings ablaze.
He stressed  the importance of maintaining safe distances around transmission lines, recommending a 50-meter distance for 330kV lines, a 30-meter distance for 132kV lines, and an 11-meter distance for 33kV lines.
The District Head  of Jaji, Alhaji Adamu Saleh, commended TCN’s outreach efforts and pledged that traditional leaders would continue sensitizing their communities about the dangers of building under high-tension installations.
 He also advised TCN to collaborate with the State Urban Planning Agency (KASUPDA) to prevent the construction of buildings under transmission towers before they reach advanced stages.
AVM Hassan Idris, Commandant of the Armed Forces and Staff College (AFSC) Jaji, argued that such heinous acts should be labeled as theft and treated as serious criminal offenses.
Represented by Commodore Dickson Chigbata, Director of Logistics,  Idris pledged AFSC’s support in helping TCN combat the menace.
ASP Kefas Liberty of the Jaji Police Command disclosed that with the assistance of the State Vigilance Service and active community members, two arrests were made in June.
He said that the suspects had since been charged to Court while calling on the community to remain vigilant and assist the security operatives in their efforts.(NAN)
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Wike summons Julius Berger, AIC, FCDA, over contract discrepancy

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2 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed displeasure over contract discrepancy in the execution of the rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the contract for the total rehabilitation of the AICC was awarded to Julius Berger in April 2024.

Wike, while inspecting the project in Abuja on Wednesday, however expressed surprise that the supply of furniture for the conference hall had been given to another company.

The minister, thereafter, summoned the heads of Julius Berger, Abuja Investment Company Ltd (AICL), and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to explain what happened.

Wike, who commended Julius Berger for the quality of job so far, however, queried how the contract for the furnishing of the conference hall was taken away from it.

“The work was going as expected, the only problem we identified this afternoon has to do with the furniture that will be in the conference hall.

“I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that which is unacceptable to us. The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities.

“That is why I summoned the officials to come and tell us who did that, and on whose approval; because I approved the contract, I know the amount of money involved.

“So, when they say Abuja investment is the one, who is going to pay for it?

“I am not going to accept that, and of course, you know, if anything shoddy went on, you will hear that I have applied the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow,” he said.

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Wike stressed that he would not have two different contractors furnishing the same edifice.

This, he said, could affect the quality of the delivery.

“We cannot say that the gallery was furnished by Julius Berger and the conference hall furnished by another company. It is unacceptable to me.

“Nobody should do something that he knows is not in tandem with what we have agreed,” Wike said.

The minister also inspected the ongoing construction of Interchange at NICON Junction and the construction of Shehu Shagari Way (N16) to connect with Wole Soyinka Way.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the project, stressing that the project would be ready for inauguration in May.

Wike assured the people living in the area that the FCTA would continue to do all it can to make sure that the projects were completed on schedule.(NAN)

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Matawalle Receives Bosnian Prime Minister , Strengthens Defence Ties

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3 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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In a diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering international cooperation, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, welcomed a high-level delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.

The delegation, led by the Prime Minister of the Goražde Region, Mr. Edin Ćulov, was received at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.

The visit, as confirmed by Matawalle’s media aide Ahmad Dan-Wudil, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties with global partners who share its commitment to security and sustainable development.

Representatives from Rain Integrated Nigeria Ltd, headed by Alhaji Alhassan, were also present at the meeting, underscoring the involvement of private sector stakeholders in driving international cooperation.

During the engagement, Dr. Matawalle conveyed the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for international partnerships that enhance Nigeria’s defence infrastructure and contribute to peace and stability on a regional and global scale.

“Nigeria remains open to strategic collaborations that fortify our national security and promote lasting peace,” the Minister stated, highlighting the government’s intent to foster meaningful alliances with like-minded nations.

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Nigeria Commits to Homegrown Military Solutions, Says Matawalle

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9 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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The honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing local defence production and military innovation through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of Homeland Protectors and Supplies Ltd, led by Chairman Muhammad Ali bin Aadi, at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, Matawalle outlined plans for a long-term joint venture between the company and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

The discussions, held at Ship House, focused on capacity-building training and the deployment of advanced technological solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security framework.

In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle emphasised that such collaborations align with the newly enacted DICON Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The legislation mandates that all military procurement be channelled through DICON, cementing its pivotal role in Nigeria’s defence industrial ecosystem.

“The Federal Government is dedicated to enhancing indigenous capabilities in defence production,” Matawalle said, underscoring the importance of private sector involvement in achieving these goals.

The partnership is expected to bolster Nigeria’s ability to address security challenges through homegrown solutions, reducing reliance on foreign military imports.

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