Electricity blackout: Security fears stall repairs
…As Tinubu orders security agencies to protect TCN Engineers fixing transmission lines
…FG plans alternative power solution for Northern states
…Northern Governors meet, urge FG to build additional transmission lines
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna and our Abuja correspondents
Security fears regarding the vulnerability of the areas where the vandalised power lines are situated are contributing to the continued power outage in Northern states, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has disclosed.
Speaking at the Northern Governors Forum meeting yesterday, the CDS noted that the thick forests within the northern region have prevented the repair of the vandalised power lines.
He said that clearing of the thick forests will aid the repair of the vandalised power lines, asserting that, “Some of the areas are supposed to be cleared so that patrols can take place, but the problem is that, some of these areas have dark forests, nevertheless, actions are being taken with the troops and the forests will be cleared for repairs to take place, just as monitoring will be critical in all the processes.”
Gen. Christopher however, called on those supporting criminals across and outside the country to desist from doing so, adding that anyone caught will be dealt with decisively.
While appreciating the troops of the Nigerian army, he equally tasked them to remain focused and be more disciplined in carrying out their responsibility of protecting the integrity of the nation.
“I want to also appreciate Nigerians for the massive support we have been getting, as it is now, we get information as at when due,” the CDS explained.
In the same vein, the Federal Government has revealed plans to provide alternative power solutions for states affected by the ongoing electricity supply disruptions affecting 17 northern states.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa yesterday.
At an emergency meeting yesterday with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, NuhuRibadu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed concern over the blackout in the northern region of Nigeria in the last week.
The President who summoned the Minister and the NSA directed the Minister of Power and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.
He further expressed sadness at the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout noting that the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.
In a meeting with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who briefed on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the President directed a long-term solution to the problem.
President Tinubu further charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.
To ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser, MallamNuhuRibadu, to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.
Briefing correspondents after meeting with President Tinubu, Adelabu noted that the root cause of the current power outages are vandalism to the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, a vital connection for electricity supply to the northern region.
He assured that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is already working on repairs, having received necessary security assurances from the National Security Adviser (NSA), enabling them to proceed without the threat of further disruptions.
Adelabu expressed optimism about the restoration timeline, stating, “With full security in place, we anticipate completing repairs within three to five days under standard conditions.”
He emphasised the importance of community support in protecting vital infrastructure to prevent future vandalism.
To further bolster power supply in the north, the minister discussed an innovative approach involving the establishment of a distributed power model.
This would see each of the 20 northern states equipped with embedded solar utilities, starting with a scalable 50 megawatts per state, ultimately reaching 100 megawatts.
“This model will provide stable and reliable electricity, capitalising on the abundant sunlight in the region,” Adelabu noted, citing the average of ten hours of sunshine per day across northern states.
He explained that this plan aims not only to supply households but also to target institutions such as schools and hospitals, as well as industrial clusters, thereby promoting economic development.
“The goal is to attract investors and support industrialisation by ensuring reliable power supply,” he added.
Addressing concerns about recent disturbances in the national grid, which has experienced multiple outages this year, Adelabu acknowledged the ageing infrastructure as a significant challenge.
“The national grid is over 50 years old, with many components requiring urgent replacement,” he explained.
He outlined plans for a super grid, which would provide backup routes for electricity transmission, insulating regions from disruptions in the future.
Regarding compensation for customers affected by power outages, Adelabu confirmed that discussions are underway to exempt consumers from billing during blackout periods.
“We will work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DISCOs) to ensure that customers do not face charges for outages,” he stated.
The Minister urged the public to remain patient as these critical changes are implemented and assured that the government is committed to providing lasting solutions to the region’s energy challenges.
Meanwhile, Governors under the aegis of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the power outage affecting the North. During a meeting in Kaduna on Monday, the Forum highlighted the severe impact of the blackout, which has left 17 out of 19 Northern States without electricity for nearly two weeks.
In a communique issued after the meeting, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, MuhammaduInuwaYahaya, emphasised the need for improved infrastructure, stating that the current outage reveals the vulnerability of critical energy systems. He called for the construction of additional transmission lines and a diversification of the country’s energy supply to enhance resilience and connectivity in the Northern region.
The Forum also expressed sympathy for the victims of recent floods and a tanker explosion in Borno and Jigawa states, attributing the flood incidents to climate change. They expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure, such as canals and waterways, to manage excess water and improve agricultural activities, thereby enhancing food security and rural livelihoods.
Recognising Northern Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, the Forum committed to supporting farmers through access to financing, modern farming techniques, and essential infrastructure like roads and irrigation systems. They affirmed that agriculture should not only serve to feed the population but also act as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation, particularly by reviving the textile industry and developing agro-allied sectors.
On the issue of youth restiveness, Governor Inuwa highlighted the Forum’s resolution to address root causes by investing in education, skills development, and job creation, providing youths with productive outlets for their energy to reduce vulnerability to crime and social vices.
Inuwa stated, “The Forum calls on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the current electricity blackout affecting most Northern States due to vandalism of transmission infrastructure. This situation highlights the need for additional transmission lines and a more diversified energy supply.”
He added, “We acknowledge the immense agricultural potential in Northern Nigeria, which, if fully harnessed, can alleviate hunger and stimulate economic growth. To achieve this, we resolve to provide adequate support to our farmers, including access to financing and modern infrastructure.”
The Forum also commiserated with victims of terrorism and banditry in the region, pledging to collaborate with the Federal Government to provide necessary support and relief.
They commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to ensure community safety, particularly recognizing the contributions of Chief of Defence Staff General C. J. Musa. However, they emphasised that more work is needed to address ongoing challenges in the Northern region.
The Forum praised President Tinubu’s reform initiatives in the livestock sector and expressed commitment to supporting these efforts, calling for equitable implementation of national policies to avoid marginalisation of any geopolitical zone.
In light of the current economic hardships, the Forum appealed to citizens for patience, assuring them that both state and Federal Governments are working diligently to implement measures to alleviate these challenges.
