News
Power Restored to Northern Nigeria After Weeks of Blackout
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful restoration of bulk electricity supply to parts of Northern Nigeria, bringing relief to residents after weeks of power outage.
The blackout, which affected several northern states, began on October 21, 2024, when insurgents reportedly vandalized the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, plunging a majority of the region into darkness.
In a statement, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah confirmed that power was restored on Wednesday at approximately 4:56 pm, following the repair of the 330 kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line.
This major line feeds key areas including Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states.
With the line operational, electricity transmission to these regions has resumed, bringing a significant boost to local businesses and daily activities disrupted by the blackout.
Mbah added that TCN engineers are now focused on repairing a second 330 kV transmission line that was also damaged in the attacks.
She emphasized that all necessary repair materials are ready and that work will commence once the area is secured to ensure the safety of personnel.
Meanwhile, TCN teams are actively patrolling the 330 kV line to detect any other areas impacted by vandalism, ensuring repairs can continue smoothly.
The government has shown urgency in addressing this prolonged outage.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently issued a directive to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, instructing him to expedite efforts to restore electricity across the affected northern states.
This development underscores the administration’s commitment to tackling infrastructure challenges and improving power stability across Nigeria, especially in regions facing insecurity.
Residents and businesses in Northern Nigeria, long accustomed to power interruptions, have welcomed the progress and are hopeful for more permanent solutions.
The blackout had a significant impact on various sectors, including health services, small businesses, and local economies that rely on steady electricity.
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
“Fighting for Nigerians Is Tiring” — VeryDarkMan Recalls Burna Boy’s Words
Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
