Nigerian Senate Urges Government-Action To Address Power-Blackout In North East (Full-Details)

The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal government to promptly allocate funds through the Ministry of Power to restore vandalized transmission lines infrastructure supplying energy to the North East region….CONTINUE READING

This urgent appeal follows a distress motion presented by Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, and co-sponsored by eight others. The motion underscores the severe challenges faced by citizens in the affected states due to prolonged power outages.

Senator Manu highlighted that the entire North East has endured a month-long power outage due to persistent vandalization along the Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line. This disruption has adversely impacted millions of residents across Plateau, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno States, affecting vital services such as healthcare, commerce, communication networks, and public safety.

The blackout not only exacerbates existing insecurity issues but also imposes a significant financial burden on public resources for repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure. Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, emphasized the historical underdevelopment of the North East, citing a United Nations report from the 1990s classifying the zone as the poorest in terms of economic and infrastructural development. He stressed that addressing the electricity infrastructure gap is a critical step towards alleviating the region’s challenges.

Senator Ahmed Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, expressed solidarity with the affected constituents, emphasizing the indispensable role of electricity in modern livelihoods. He underscored the shift from analog to digital economic activities, highlighting the necessity of electricity for essential tasks such as communication and digital banking.

The Senate’s resolution includes urging the Federal Government to expedite the construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KVA transmission line and implement recommendations outlined in the Electricity Act of 2023. These measures aim to address the systemic issues affecting the power sector and ensure sustainable electricity supply to the North East region.

The Senate’s decisive action reflects a commitment to prioritizing the welfare and development of regions grappling with infrastructural challenges. By mobilizing government resources and implementing strategic interventions, the Senate aims to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens and stimulate economic growth in the North East.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr