The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has threatened to remove illegal structures erected on government-designated rights-of-way for power transmission projects, warning that encroachment and vandalism are undermining investments in the electricity sector.
The committee chairman, Kuye Ademorin, gave the warning during inspection visits to the 132-kilovolt New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33-kilovolt substation in Owerri, Imo State.
The committee observed that churches, hotels, private residences and state government buildings had been erected along designated transmission routes, posing a threat to project completion.
Ademorin expressed concern that such structures had been approved despite existing government-designated rights of way. He called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to protect public assets.
He warned that encroachment and vandalism had delayed projects designed to improve electricity supply and support industrial development.
The lawmaker said the committee would take appropriate steps to ensure the removal of illegal structures.
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) disclosed that the Owerri substation was about 85 per cent complete and would add approximately 250 megawatts to electricity supply in Imo State, significantly improving power supply to the Orlu area.
Ademorin commended the quality of work at the substation and expressed optimism that its expected completion around March 2027 would boost industrial activities across the South-East.
He urged the governors of Enugu and Imo states to collaborate with NDPHC to address encroachment and accelerate project delivery.
The committee chairman also called for the timely payment of contractors and prompt compensation for landowners to prevent disputes and litigation.
He advised Nigerians to verify land ownership and confirm the status of properties before purchasing them to avoid acquiring plots within government-approved rights of way.
Ademorin said completing the projects would promote industrialisation, create jobs, improve security and strengthen peace across the region.
