ADDRESSING VANDALISM, A PANACEA FOR INCESSANT NATIONAL GRID COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The issue of vandalization has been a persistent problem in the Nigerian power industry for many years. Vandalism presents a significant threat to the anticipated degree of efficiency of TCN as a public organisation. The frequent power outages have caused significant economic losses across all sectors of the economy. Vandalism refers to behaviour that alters or harms public or private property (Theoharris, 2020). Rajul (2020) defines vandalism as the deliberate act of destroying or ruining property in a way that alters its appearance or condition, hence reducing its worth. Vandalism refers to the deliberate act of causing destruction or damage to public property. This includes harming works of art, both public and private property, as well as natural landmarks. It also encompasses acts of damaging electric utility equipment and facilities (Ikejemba, & Schuur, 2018). Electricity vandalism refers to the deliberate act of damaging or stealing electricity equipment from the national grid. As stated by Marcus (2022), these acts of vandalism mostly target infrastructure such as feeders, pillars, transformers, insulators, cables, and conductors.

The destruction of electrical power transmission equipment is a growing problem in cultures around the world (Akpojedje et al., 2019). The problem has led to a substantial rise in the expenses associated with transmitting energy, causing the country to incur billions of Naira in losses due to acts of vandalism throughout the recent years (Cole, 2023). In their study, Lukman, Emmanuel, Chinonso, Mutiu, James, & Jonathan (2018) asserted that the act of causing harm to electricity infrastructure and utility facilities is considered a more serious economic offence compared to robbery, mostly because of its detrimental impact on a nation's economy.

In Sub-Saharan African nations, the delivery of electricity to residential households encounters several challenges such as governmental apathy, inadequate financial resources, and acts of vandalism (Limo & Mirwoba, 2018). Forecasting and managing electrical supply disruptions in Sub-Saharan nations have grown challenging as a result of deliberate damage to power infrastructure, despite substantial investments made by governments and important stakeholders (Ahuna, Muumbo, & McLean, 2020). The South African energy system is experiencing challenges due to the rise in theft and vandalism of power cables in major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban (Rambe et al., 2024). Ineffective actions from key industry participants, such as the government, have had a detrimental influence on the social and financial sides of power utilities in South Africa, primarily owing to vandalism.

Zimbabwe's electricity transmission and supply system encounters numerous obstacles, including the deliberate damage to power transmission equipment, which is instigated by factors such as a challenging economic environment characterised by exorbitant living expenses and a significant unemployment rate (Mazikana, 2019). As reported by the national Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, the cost of repairing the damaged power supply infrastructure is in the millions of US dollars. This vandalism also poses a risk to national security because it affects important security installations (Mazikana 2019). The issue of interrupted electricity transmission and supply due to vandalism is also faced by the neighboring countries of Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. This problem leads to substantial economic losses for businesses and the public (Gregory, & Sovacool, 2019).

In nations such as Nigeria, there are comparable instances of vandalism and destruction to power distribution equipment, resulting in irregular and uncertain electricity delivery and failures in the power system (Aremu, 2019). A notable instance may be observed in Nigeria, where the energy transmission system is under significant jeopardy as a result of deliberate acts of vandalism directed towards assets like as power lines and transmission towers (Azeez et al., 2023). An important concern is the occurrence of vandalism at Power Holding Company of Nigeria installations, which leads to extensive power grid breakdown and voltage collapse (Jumah & Phillips, 2023). The act of intentionally damaging transmission facilities and distribution equipment was widespread before to the implementation of the present laws. The individuals who are responsible for bringing in power generators are frequently held accountable for acts of sabotage (Monyei, Adewumi, Obolo, and Sajou, 2017). From January 2017 to July 2017, the Enugu Power Distribution Company (EEDC) in Nigeria documented more than one hundred and fifty-five instances of electrical system damage (Nwanya, Mgbemene, Ezeoke, & Iloeje, 2018). This study aims to address vandalism as a solution to the frequent failure of the national power infrastructure in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Power equipment vandalism in the country can be attributed to various factors. Examining the origins of these occurrences and the subsequent harm to the equipment is of utmost importance, as they lead to significant financial losses for both enterprises and the Nigerian government.

Prior studies have investigated the causes of vandalism of electrical equipment and have identified many elements that contribute to these overall phenomena. Ikejemba and Schuur (2018) investigated the impact of theft and vandalism on the long-term viability of renewable energy initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study revealed that the primary factors contributing to vandalism include social disparity, the pursuit of basic survival needs, and deliberate acts of sabotage perpetrated by individuals responsible for safeguarding electricity infrastructure. Concerning the situation in Kenya, instances have been reported when security officers and KPLC staff collude with vandals for their own benefit in the illicit operation of selling electrical equipment such as transformer oil and copper wires (Bore, 2014; Cheruto, & Munene, 2019).

Emovon, Samuel, Mgbemena, & Adeyeri (2018) investigated the causes and solutions to the energy generating situation in Nigeria. The study revealed that the power generation and supply industry is facing several obstacles, including inadequate maintenance of plants, insufficient financial and resource assistance from the government, a lack of skilled personnel to address vandalism and militant attacks on power infrastructure, non-competitive electricity pricing and excessive fees, and inconsistent policy formulation and execution. The results also indicated that a lack of finances or misaligned policy goals hinder the provision of state-of-the-art technological training to workers, both domestically and internationally. This training is essential for effectively operating power generation and monitoring systems and preventing damage to power transmission equipment due to vandalism. Therefore, the necessity for doing this investigation arises.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically address vandalism as a panacea for incessant national grid collapse in Nigeria. Specific objectives of this study are:

To determine the extent of vandalism on national grid infrastructure in Nigeria.

To find out the causes of vandalism of power grid infrastructure in Nigeria

To examine the effects of vandalism on the National grid in Nigeria.

To proffer solutions in addressing vandalism of National grid infrastructure in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the extent of vandalism on national grid infrastructure in Nigeria?

What are the causes of vandalism of power grid infrastructure in Nigeria?

What are the effects of vandalism on the National grid in Nigeria?

What are the recommendations for addressing vandalism of National grid infrastructure in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following hypothesis will be validated in this study:

Ho1: The extent of vandalism on national grid infrastructure in Nigeria is low.

Ho2: There are no causes of vandalism of power grid infrastructure in Nigeria.

Ho3: There are no effects of vandalism on the National grid in Nigeria.

Ho4: There are no recommendations for addressing vandalism of National grid infrastructure in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study will provide a fundamental reference point for communities, government officials, and policy makers, students and scholars This study will provide a thorough analysis of the economic outcomes, with a focus on the urgent need for a more reliable energy supply to sustain economic growth and productivity.

This project aims to support the hosting communities of electrical infrastructures by increasing their understanding of the negative impacts of vandalism and involving community members in safeguarding power infrastructure. This can result in communities that are more watchful and collaborative. Implementing this collaborative approach can effectively decrease occurrences of vandalism.

The study offers empirical evidence and valuable perspectives that will assist policymakers in formulating more efficacious tactics to address vandalism. This can result in the development of more stringent legislation, enhanced implementation strategies, and more extensive community involvement initiatives.

Furthermore, future scholars will utilise it as a literature review. Consequently, other students who choose to pursue research in this field will be able to utilise this work as existing material that can be critically evaluated. The findings of this study significantly contribute to the existing academic knowledge on how to manage vandalism, which is a solution to the ongoing problem of frequent national grid breakdown in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically address vandalism as a panacea for incessant national grid collapse in Nigeria. Specifically, this study focuses on determining the extent of vandalism on national grid infrastructure in Nigeria, and find out the causes of vandalism of power grid infrastructure in Nigeria.

Further, this study will focus on examining the effects of vandalism on the National grid in Nigeria, and it also seeks to proffer solutions in addressing vandalism of National grid infrastructure in Nigeria.

This study will be conducted in Enugu and Abuja, Nigeria, as these areas are particularly afflicted by vandalism in the country.

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that there are no much data on the topic addressing vandalism, a panacea for incessant national grid collapse in Nigeria. Thus, much time and organization was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection. Also the study is limited in sample size and geography covering only Nigeria. Therefore, findings of this study cannot be used for generalization thus creating a gap for further studies

Another constraint faced by the researcher is the inability to communicate effectively due to differences in language. The researcher had challenges in connecting with inhabitants of the host community due to their limited comprehension and proficiency in the English language. Also encountered was time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research in addition to attending lectures and other educational activities required of him.

1.9 Definition of terms

Vandalism: Vandalism refers to the deliberate act of causing destruction or damage to public property. This includes harming works of art, both public and private property, as well as natural landmarks. It also encompasses acts of damaging electric utility equipment and facilities

Voltage collapse: Voltage collapse is the partial or complete loss of end users' or customers' access to the electrical power grid

Power outage: an interruption or failure in the supply of power, especially electricity. the period during which power is lost

National grid: The national grid is an interconnecting system that comprises all generation stations, transmission substations, and distribution substations.