On Tuesday, the Federal Government reaffirmed its dedication to expediting the restoration of electricity to the Northern region of Nigeria, which has been afflicted by a significant blackout. During a session with senators at the National Assembly, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu assured that electricity would be fully restored to the affected states within 14 days. This timeline indicates that the region, which includes 17 states, will remain without power until November 12, 2024. Adelabu clarified that partial restoration efforts would be completed in three days, indicating a plan to gradually resume power supply amidst the ongoing crisis.
Adelabu elaborated on the challenges faced during restoration efforts, mentioning the collaboration with security agencies to access the grid disrupted by vandals. He expressed confidence that repairs would conclude within the stipulated 14-day deadline, despite conflicting statements from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which announced that repairs to the compromised transmission line would take five days to complete. The TCN managed to provide alternative measures to transmit 400 megawatts to select areas in under 24 hours, demonstrating an urgent response to the crisis.
The span of the blackout affected 17 states, with the most significantly impacted areas being Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Gombe, and Katsina, which have not received electricity in over two weeks. The blackout was attributed to the vandalization of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which was the primary supply line for electricity in the northern region. The governors of 19 northern states have urged for diversified energy solutions due to the prolonged power outages affecting their territories. Alongside this, President Bola Tinubu mandated the TCN to hasten repair efforts, while the National Security Adviser was instructed to provide necessary security support.
The TCN Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, provided updates on the restoration progress, noting that the company was deploying engineers to complete the necessary repairs and aimed to distribute 500 to 600 megawatts of power to the region by the upcoming Sunday. However, plans to restore power were hampered by security concerns, forcing engineers to work under strict supervision and leave the site by evening for their safety. Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of restoring the Shiroro-Mando line, as it plays a crucial role in transmitting adequate power supply to several key northern states.
Addressing the issue of vandalism, Abdulaziz mentioned efforts to engage local communities, security, and civil defense forces to monitor the transmission lines. He pointed out the historical lack of active surveillance and suggested that upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure would be essential in preventing further incidents. Additionally, the company proposed acquiring helicopters for aerial surveillance but acknowledged delays in financial approval for the project. Abdulaziz reiterated the TCN’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by both vandalism and outdated infrastructure.
During the discussions, Minister Adelabu advocated for stricter penalties for vandalizing electricity infrastructure, including a proposed ban on scrap metal sales, which he argued incentivizes criminal activities. He urged the National Assembly to expedite legislation criminalizing attacks on transmission installations, suggesting that harsher penalties could deter future vandalism. Furthermore, he clarified that the recent improvements in electricity supply were not merely a result of the rainy season, but were instead due to enhancements in power generation capacities and the commissioning of new power plants. Adelabu’s insights highlighted the need for ongoing commitment and strategic planning to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for Nigeria’s northern regions.
