Blackout: Tinubu orders swift restoration of power to North

President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.

He also warned that the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.

Tinubu gave the directive at a meeting with Adelabu, who briefed him on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines at the Aso Rock Villa, on Monday.

“The President directed a long-term solution to the problem,” a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed Monday evening.

The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu expressed concern over blackout in the north, directs speedy restoration of electricity.’

A widespread power failure engulfed 17 northern states in the past week, leaving millions without electricity as they contend with a prolonged blackout.

Authorities blamed vandals who damaged the critical Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, a major conduit supplying electricity to the north.

Repairs have been challenging due to security concerns for the maintenance crew, Adelabu told journalists on Monday after the meeting.

But Tinubu expressed concern over the blackout in the northern region of Nigeria in the last week.

“He is now leading efforts to end the disruption that has paralysed social and economic activities, summoning the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

“The President has directed the Minister of Power and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.

“President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.

The Presidency said to ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, Tinubu also “directed the National Security Adviser 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.”

He also implored traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.