• NSGF, Traditional Rulers Seek End to Nine-Day Blackout
• Tinubu Orders Immediate Electricity Restoration for Northern States
• Arewa Consultative Forum Seeks State of Emergency over Power Crisis
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and prominent traditional rulers have called for immediate action to address the ongoing power outage affecting parts of northern Nigeria.
During a joint meeting held yesterday in Kaduna, the leaders highlighted the severe impact of nine days of power disruption, stressing the significant economic losses and hardships faced by the northern states. They underscored that the economic strain is acutely felt in the North compared to other regions.
The leaders emphasized that the disparity between northern and southern Nigeria, alongside persistent economic inequalities, requires urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of northern residents. They also noted that insecurity and power challenges disproportionately affect the northern states.
This gathering was part of NSGF’s broader initiative to engage stakeholders in addressing urgent concerns, including persistent insecurity, high poverty levels, the rise in out-of-school children, and the worsening blackout affecting communities across the North.
In his address, NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted the collective challenges, saying, “As we speak today, most of our Northern States are in darkness due to vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure. This underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply to connect our region better and improve our energy resilience.”
Governor Yahaya outlined some of the pressing issues confronting the region, including terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and the increasing number of out-of-school children and Almajiri. He further noted that recent “End Bad Governance” protests underscore the urgency for northern leaders to address these grievances, particularly among the youth, where restiveness is fueled by poverty and limited opportunities.
The NSGF also received a report from the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee, which Yahaya stated would be reviewed for careful implementation. “We must sustain these gains to ensure lasting peace and stability. Our engagements with security agencies and civil society groups must continue to chart a sustainable path for peace and stability in northern Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Adding their voices, northern governors collectively opposed the recently proposed Tax Reform Bill, asserting that it threatens the welfare of the North and other subnational entities. “Given the preceding, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people,” the governors stated.
Traditional Rulers Push for Implementation
The Sultan of Sokoto and chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, added that the North’s challenges lie not in a lack of solutions but in poor implementation.
“All Northerners should come together to develop the North. We never lack reports to implement to solve our problems; what we lack is the implementation of such reports. We, the traditional rulers, assure you we are with you on this journey to develop the North. We will not look back,” he said.
Security Chiefs Recognize Progress
In his remarks, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa highlighted ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces to address the security challenges plaguing the North.
He commended the northern governors and traditional rulers for their support and cooperation, which he said are critical to addressing the region’s security needs.
The meeting drew attendees from various states, including the governors of Kaduna, Gombe, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Borno, Bauchi, Kwara, and Adamawa, as well as deputy governors from other northern states. Traditional leaders such as the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, Emir of Zazzau, and others also participated, underscoring the importance of the issues discussed.
Tinubu Orders Immediate Electricity Restoration for Northern States
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the prolonged power outage affecting northern Nigeria. Taking immediate action, he summoned the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to strategize solutions to restore power swiftly.
In a statement from his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and other relevant agencies to expedite work to bring relief to the affected states.
“President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and willful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.”
Following a briefing with Minister Adelabu on efforts to repair the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, Tinubu instructed the Transmission Company of Nigeria to develop a long-term resolution to prevent future disruptions.
He also tasked the National Security Adviser with deploying security personnel, including aerial cover, to ensure the safety of engineers repairing the infrastructure.
Furthermore, Tinubu urged traditional and community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard public assets, stating that the government would not tolerate any further acts of sabotage.
Arewa Consultative Forum Seeks State of Emergency over Power Crisis
In a related development, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency over the protracted blackout affecting northern Nigeria. Describing the situation as a significant threat to both security and economic stability, the ACF expressed grave concern.
“Persistent blackout has created immense hardship, impacting security and economic welfare across the North,” said Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, in a statement, calling for immediate government action to restore normalcy.
The ACF’s stance reflects growing frustration in the North as the blackout enters its second week, leaving millions without electricity.
