From Magnus Eze, Abuja

 

The Federal Government has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution Companies (Discos) to immediately disconnect all buildings erected along high tension power lines in the country. 

Managing Director of National Electrical Management Services Agency (NEMSA) who disclosed this at a meeting with the Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari, in Abuja, said this was to ensure that communities were safe from incidences that may lead to a repeat of the Calabar viewing centre tragedy. 

Some football lovers in Nyaghassang Community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, were electrocuted when high tension cable fell on a viewing centre during the Europa League quarter final match between Manchester United and Anderlecht football clubs in April. 

Related News

However, NOA and NEMSA have set up a joint committee to enlighten Nigerians on the dangers of building along power lines. 

DG NOA, while inaugurating the committee, directed its members to ensure that NEMSA’s directive was communicated to the people at the grassroots, especially in the states and local government areas in a manner that they would understand it.

According to Abari, the work of the committee is to educate and enlighten the people on the dangers of building close to the expanding power infrastructure in the country. He also urged the committee members to identify other issues and parameters that would be necessary in the implementation of its task. 

NEMSA Managing Director had earlier said the essence of the partnership was to take advantage of NOA’s robust platforms to bring the activities of his agency to the limelight and knowledge of Nigerians. 

He also said the partnership will enlighten and sensitise Nigerians on their roles as consumers and transporters as well as on the quality of electrical products that are safe for installation.