The House of Representatives has issued a stern warning that structures built along right-of-way routes designated for national power infrastructure projects across the country will face demolition.
The resolution followed a motion presented on the floor of the House regarding the widespread encroachment on transmission and distribution corridors, which lawmakers warned poses severe safety risks to citizens and significantly delays critical power sector development.
Members of the House expressed deep concern over the increasing number of permanent buildings, commercial establishments, and illegal structures erected directly beneath high-voltage power lines and along mapped power project routes.
Legislators emphasized that such encroachments violate established environmental and urban planning regulations, compromise grid reliability, and expose occupants to extreme electrocution hazards and hazardous electromagnetic exposure.
Following extensive deliberations, the House directed relevant federal agencies—including the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)—to collaborate with state urban planning authorities to identify all affected corridors and commence enforcement.
”Encroaching on power line right-of-way corridors is not only illegal, but it also sabotages critical national infrastructure and puts human lives at grave risk,” the House resolved. “Relevant regulatory agencies and security forces must immediately initiate mapping, issue final notices, and proceed with the clearing and demolition of all illegal structures obstructing power project routes.”
The lawmakers also urged public utility providers to strengthen surveillance along major transmission corridors to prevent future illegal developments, while advising intending property buyers and developers to verify land titles and right-of-way clearances before commencing construction.
