President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Army and Air Force to provide security for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) engineers working to restore power in parts of Northern Nigeria. This decision follows persistent power outages that have paralyzed social and economic activities in the North-West, North-East, and sections of the North-Central regions. The outages resulted from vandalism and subsequent damage to the critical 330kV Ugwaji-Apir Double Circuit transmission lines, which plunged the affected areas into darkness.
In a statement from the State House on Monday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the blackout that has gripped the northern regions, citing the severe impact on daily life and the economy. The President summoned the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urging them to ensure an expedited power restoration process. “This level of sabotage will no longer be tolerated,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the need for swift and secure action to stabilize the grid.
President Tinubu has also mandated that the National Security Adviser coordinate with the military to provide adequate security, including aerial surveillance, to protect engineers and prevent further damage to the infrastructure. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to stabilizing power and ensuring public safety during repairs.
The TCN has confirmed ongoing efforts to identify and resolve the fault that caused the outage. Initial attempts to restore the lines failed, with both circuits going offline within minutes of each other. These disruptions have led to a complete shutdown in the North, where communities rely heavily on electricity for essential services and businesses.
As the government intensifies its focus on long-term solutions, Tinubu called on traditional rulers and community leaders to cooperate with security forces to safeguard public assets. “We cannot allow the intentional destruction of vital infrastructure to hinder progress,” Tinubu noted, assuring the public that these measures are essential to maintain a reliable energy supply.
