…Tinubu Issues Directives for Immediate Action
The governors of the 19 northern states have called on the Federal Government to diversify energy sources following widespread power outages that have crippled 17 states in the region over the past two weeks.
Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Gombe, and Katsina are among the worst-hit states, with others like Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, and Nasarawa also heavily affected.
The power outages, attributed to vandalism of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line and other critical infrastructure, have disrupted commercial activities across the region.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum convened an emergency meeting on Monday in Kaduna State to address the issue.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe, also featured the attendance of traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other prominent monarchs from the region.
A communiqué issued by the forum stated, “The forum resolves to call on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the northern states due to the vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure. This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply.”
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed concern over the blackout. During a meeting with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Tinubu directed the immediate restoration of electricity to the affected states.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, “President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and willful destruction of power infrastructure.”
The President further instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to collaborate with the military in securing the repair teams.
“To ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers fixing the damaged transmission line,” the statement added.
Adelabu disclosed that the Federal Government has secured commitments from financiers to invest between $1 billion and $2 billion in solar power plants, each generating 50 megawatts, for all 19 northern states.
“We have interested contractors and financiers that are ready to install 100 megawatts each for the northern states,” he told journalists after briefing the President.
The Minister of Power acknowledged that repair efforts have been delayed due to security concerns but assured the public that work was underway.
“With the provision of full security, the TCN staff will have the confidence, together with contractors, to go to the field and fix it,” Adelabu said.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticised the government’s handling of the crisis.
The Labour Party’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, described the blackout as evidence of “policy failure,” adding, “This government promised people power… but even with the tariff increase, electricity supply has worsened.”
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, lamented the hardship the blackout has caused, saying, “The country has been unfortunate to have the APC and particularly Tinubu at the helm of affairs.”
Former governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso, described the situation as “disheartening” and urged state governments to prioritise alternative energy sources.
“It is about time that we look into alternative power sources to address our energy needs,” Kwankwaso wrote on X.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, said the government is working hard to address the situation.
“This failure is due to vandalism and sabotage,” APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, argued. “The government is committed to addressing the situation and improving power distribution across the country.”
Efforts to stabilise power supply nationwide have faced challenges, with vandalism affecting southern states as well.
Bayelsa State has been without power for three months following the destruction of power towers, while Anambra recently experienced a five-day blackout that paralysed commercial activities in major cities.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it will continue to upgrade the national grid, which Adelabu noted is over 50 years old. Plans are also underway to introduce a “super grid” and regionalise the national grid to prevent future disruptions.
Adelabu appealed to residents of the affected northern states to be patient, noting that interim repairs on the Shiroro-Kaduna line could take up to five days.
He emphasised, “We already have approval to upgrade the Shiroro-Kaduna line on a permanent basis. Once completed, we believe power supply to the North will be more stable.”
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