House of Reps to Demolish Illegal Structures on Power Routes

The House of Representatives has issued a warning regarding the demolition of illegal structures, including churches, hotels, and private residences, that have been erected on Federal Government rights of way designated for power transmission projects. Kuye Ademorin, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, stated that continued encroachment and vandalism threaten billions of naira in public investments.

This announcement came 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. The committee, supported by other lawmakers, discovered numerous buildings along designated transmission routes, raising concerns about the safety and timely completion of these projects.

Ademorin expressed disappointment over the approval of such constructions by state authorities and emphasized the need to protect public assets. He urged the government to prioritize ongoing power infrastructure projects and ensure contractors are paid promptly.

The Egbu substation is reported to be 85 percent complete and expected to be delivered around March 2027.