The House of Representatives' Committee on Public Assets has threatened to demolish illegal structures erected on the federal government's rights of way for power transmission projects. Chairman Kuye Ademorin gave the warning during an inspection of power projects in Enugu and Imo states. The committee expressed concern over encroachment and vandalism, which are threatening investments in the electricity sector.
The committee inspected 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. They observed that churches, hotels, private residences, and state government buildings had been erected along designated transmission routes. This, Ademorin said, could delay the completion of projects designed to improve electricity supply.
Ademorin questioned how state authorities could approve developments along corridors already designated as federal government rights of way. He described the situation as a threat to critical national infrastructure. The committee was impressed by the federal government's investment in developing a sustainable electricity system but was disappointed that some communities were undermining the initiative.
The lawmaker warned that the National Assembly would take measures to ensure that illegal structures were removed from the affected corridors. He said drastic steps would be taken to ensure the removal of those structures. The committee also called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to protect public assets and prevent further delays to electricity infrastructure projects.
At the Egbu substation, the delegation acknowledged that the facility was about 85 per cent complete. Upon completion, it would add approximately 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State, significantly improving power delivery to the Orlu area. The project, first awarded in 2006, has received renewed attention under NDPHC Managing Director Jennifer Adighije.
Ademorin commended the quality of work at the substation and expressed optimism that its anticipated completion around March 2027 would stimulate industrial activities across the South-east. He urged the federal government to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects and prompt payment of contractors to avoid unnecessary delays.
The committee chairman emphasised the need for adequate and timely compensation for affected communities. Other lawmakers on the inspection tour included Mark Obetta, Lanre Okunlola, Sani Rigo, and Canice Nwachukwu. The NDPHC spokesperson, Nazo Agim, made a statement about the lawmakers' inspection tour.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has invested heavily in developing a sustainable electricity system.
- Illegal structures on transmission routes threaten to delay power projects.
- The National Assembly will take measures to ensure the removal of illegal structures.
