Blackout: Northern Governors demand immediate restoration of electricity in region
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maidugiri –
The Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Ruler’s Council (Emirs and Chiefs) held a joint meeting on October 28, 2024, and issued a communique calling for the immediate restoration of electricity in the northern region.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that a recent transmission line vandalism has plunged the northern region into darkness, causing a prolonged blackout that has lasted for days.
The outage has had a devastating impact on businesses across the region, with many owners reporting significant losses. Economic activities have come to a grinding halt in some areas, as the lack of electricity has brought productivity to a standstill.
The communique signed by the Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, who is also the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, called on the Federal Government to urgently address the power outage in the region, caused by the vandalism of a transmission line .
The Forum emphasized the need for additional transmission lines and diversifying energy supply to improve the region’s connectivity and energy resilience. They also stressed that the current situation highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure
The forum expressed deep sympathy for the victims of recent flood disasters and terrorist attacks and commended the Federal Government’s efforts in addressing security challenges ¹.
The forum emphasized the crucial role of traditional institutions in achieving lasting peace and security and advocated for increased cooperation with security agencies to combat criminality. They also acknowledged recent gains against criminals and commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General C. J Musa, for his professionalism and innovative approach ¹.
The forum resolved to address the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, and job creation. They also called on the Federal Government to urgently address the current electricity power blackout affecting most Northern States due to vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure ¹.
Furthermore, the forum agreed that Northern Nigeria has immense agricultural potential and resolved to provide adequate support to farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure. They also commended the President for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to sustain engagement with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee ¹.
Additionally, the forum acknowledged the impact of climate change on the environment and resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure. They also agreed to support initiatives addressing out-of-school children and improving educational outcomes ¹.
The forum rejected the proposed Tax Amendments in the recent Tax Reform Bill, stating that they are against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals. They called on the National Assembly to oppose any bill that could jeopardize the well-being of their people ¹.
In conclusion, the Northern Governors’ Forum called for equity and fairness in the implementation of national policies and programs, ensuring that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized. They appealed to citizens to remain calm, as the states and Federal Government work to implement measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship