VANDALISATION OF PHCN EQUIPMENTS AND ITS EFFECTS ON OUR SERVICE

DELIVERY

DEFINITION

The on-line encyclopaedia, Wikipedia, defines a vandal as someone that deliberately destroys or
spoils anything that is beautiful or venerable. Such action includes criminal damage, defacement,
graffiti and crass erection of an eyesore.

The Free Dictionary on line further explains that the intentional destruction of property is
popularly referred to as vandalism. It includes behaviour such as breaking windows, slashing
tires, spray painting a wall with graffiti, and destroying a computer system through the use of a
computer virus. Vandalism is a malicious act and may reflect personal ill will, although the
perpetrators need not know their victim to commit vandalism. The recklessness of the act
imputes both intent and malice.

Because the destruction of public and private property poses a threat to society, modern
statutes make vandalism a crime. The penalties upon conviction may be a fine, a jail sentence, an
order to pay for repairs or replacement, or all three. In addition, a person who commits
vandalism may be sued in a civil tort action for damages so that the damaged property can be
repaired or replaced.

NIGERIA EXPERIENCE

In Nigeria, the act of vandalism spreads across all facets of our lives. Prominent and frequently
vandalized equipments include,

 Oil pipelines

 PHCN installations

 Road railings and demarcations

 Telephone cables and lines

 Bill board and outdoor adverts

From the list, it is evidence that government properties are more prone to vandalization than
others. Two of these will be examined in details.

Vandalization of Oil Pipelines

Vandalization of PHCN facilities like transformers, cables, overhead lines and substation
equipments have been with us for decades. Recently however a new dimension was introduced to
the menace. This is the vandalization of oil pipelines.

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There are about 5001kM stretch of oil pipelines across the country. These pipelines convey
crude oil and petroleum products from the stations where they are produced to the various
locations where they are either processed or utilized.

Such locations include refineries, crude export points, industries and PHCN.

Over 70 percent of PHCN power generation come from thermal power stations and most of
these stations utilize gas as the fuel. The requirement of PHCN is 1000 cubic metres of gas.
This quantity can only be conveyed through pipelines. This also goes for industries that require
such products for one reason or the other.

Initially, vandalization of pipelines was associated with agitations in the Niger Delta region for
the development of the region. Today the dimension has extended to other selfish motives
outside genuine agitations. Pipelines are today vandalised on selfish financial motives.

However, irrespective of the motives behind these acts, the nation suffers. There is disruption
of gas supply to PHCN, industries. There is disruption of supply of petroleum products like
diesel, kerosene, petrol, cooking gas, bitumen etc. Each of these presents social, economic and
health problems. These problems also have multiplier effects.

Aside from disruption of supplies there is the problem of condescension of trapped gas into
acidic solution which has a corrosive effect on the pipelines. Time and resources are committed
to clearing the pipelines for free flow of the products.

Vandalization of PHCN Facilities

As already stated, vandalization of PHCN facilities have been with us for decades. The problem
instead of abetting is getting worse every day, more extensive, more damaging and more
sophisticated.

PHCN has tried all sorts of programs and initiatives all to no avail. Incentives have been
offered, awareness like jingles, radio and television programs, partnership with local vigilante
groups, anti-vandalization squads formed in partnership with Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
These squads are equipped, supported and paid incentives. All these efforts have not succeeded
in stamping out the trend. What has started as a small sore has now developed into a dangerous
cankerworm and gradually eating deep into the fabrics of the nations.

EVIL EFFECTS OF VANDALIZATION.

Vandalization is like a cancer which if not completely stamped out will eventually ground the
nation. Let us look at some of the ills.

Effect on Power Supply

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It has been stated that vandalization of gas pipelines or gas flow stations disrupt gas supply to
PHCN power stations. This in turn affects generation capacity and results in massive load
shedding which can also lead to total collapse.

This has a multiplier effect on the lives of Nigerians as social life is badly affected. The
industries and other commercial outfits suffer the same fate. We have heard of case of
grounding of industries and other businesses due to poor power supply. We have even heard
claims of industries relocating to neighbouring countries.

This will not only stall growth but also lead to job losses with its attendant social and economic
implications.

Effect on the Economy

The much talked about Millennium Development Goal will be a mirage if vandalization is not
stamped out.

No nation, business or establishment can survive or hope to progress with the menace of
vandalization. Whether it is gas pipeline, PHCN facilities, road railings etc each has its toll on
the economy. We find out that instead of deployment of scarce resources to development
projects and programs that will impart on the lives of the masses such resources are committed
to ever increasing replacement of vandalized facilities. This certainly will lead to an economy
that can at best wobble.

Social Effects

Vandalization can have its toll on the social and health lives of people in diverse ways. This is as
a result of disruption of social services like electricity, pipe borne water, petroleum products,
telephone and other communication services etc. The associated hardship is well known. There
are reports of avoidable deaths due to failure of these social services.

WHAT ARE THE WAYS FORWARD

 We need social re- orientation.

 We need a change in our value system.
 We need to imbibe the spirit of patriotism
 We should remember that what goes around comes around
 We should see government property as our own
 Just as democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people, its
dividends are facilities owned by the people, installed by the people and for the benefit of
the people. We are therefore equal owners, equal stake holders and equal guards.

CONCLUSION

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Vandalization is an ill wind that can never blow any one any good. We should therefore detest it,
hate it, and expose the perpetrators, promoters, and patrons. We should join hands to stamp it
out. It is to our collective gain. Let us save the Nigerian state.

Engr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje,

PHCN Ikeja Lagos Nigeria