Northern Nigeria blackout: Tinubu asks TCN to hasten repair, directs army to provide security

President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the prolonged blackout in northern Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu met with Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power, and Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA) over the blackout.

On October 22, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported power outage in the north-east, north-west and parts of north-central after 330-kilovolt (kV) Ugwaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines 1 and 2 tripped.

Also, TCN said the Shiroro-Kaduna line was vandalised, leading to a reduction of bulk electricity to Kaduna, Kano and other major cities in the north.

Two days later, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s general manager of public affairs, said the faulty area, which measures one span, was identified as a snapped 330kv transmission line in the swampy forest of Igumale, Benue state.

However, on Monday, TCN said insecurity delayed repair, but it is working tirelessly to restore the bulk power supply.

Tinubu said he is saddened by the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.

During the meeting, Tinubu directed Adelabu and the TCN to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the north.

TINUBU DIRECTS ARMY, AIR FORCE TO PROVIDE SECURITY

He also directed Ribadu to work with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.

“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,” Onanuga said.

“President Tinubu 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, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, 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.

“President Tinubu implores traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.”

Tinubu said the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.

Earlier, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, said power outages and costly petrol and diesel are affecting households and businesses in northern Nigeria.