Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has stated that electricity will be restored to the 17 northern states currently suffering from a blackout.
This blackout is due to the vandalization of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line.
The minister made this announcement on Monday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.
“We will repair the vandalized transmission line within three to five days,” Adelabu assured reporters.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the president has already instructed the National Security Adviser and security chiefs to ensure safety for the repair teams.
The minister’s commitment to restoring electricity is critical for the northern states, where many residents have been living without power.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) staff will have the confidence, along with contractors, to go to the field and fix the line,” he added.
Adelabu appealed to the citizens of the northern states to be patient during this period.
“I’m just appealing to our northern brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, to bear with us,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting the national grid from further vandalism.
“We must all collectively protect our national grid to avoid further vandalization,” he urged.
Vandalism of power infrastructure has been a recurring problem in Nigeria, leading to widespread outages and disruption of services.
The Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line has faced multiple attacks over the years, resulting in significant loss of electricity supply to millions of citizens.
Experts have pointed out that such acts of sabotage not only affect power supply but also hinder economic growth and development in the region.
Many businesses in the north rely on stable electricity to operate effectively.
Without power, they struggle to keep their doors open, which impacts employment and the economy.
Residents have expressed frustration over the ongoing outages, with many taking to social media to voice their concerns.
The government has promised to take measures to protect the transmission lines and deter future vandalism.
Adelabu’s statements reflect a growing awareness of the need to secure power infrastructure.
The minister also mentioned that the federal government is considering new policies to improve the security of power installations across the country.
“We are looking into better ways to protect our power lines and facilities,” he said.
In addition to repairs, the government is focusing on expanding the electricity supply network in the northern states.
Adelabu noted that enhancing the capacity of the national grid is essential for preventing future outages.
The minister’s assurances come at a time when many citizens are losing faith in the government’s ability to provide stable electricity.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of proactive measures to address vandalism and its consequences on the power supply.
“This is not just about fixing the line,” said energy analyst, Chika Obi. “It’s about creating a sustainable system that prevents such vandalism from happening in the first place.”
The importance of reliable electricity cannot be overstated, especially in a country where many still live without access to power.
Adelabu’s promise is seen as a crucial step in restoring trust among the people.
“We just want to see action,” said one resident, Amina Bello. “We need light, and we need it now.”
The minister’s commitment to restoring power within five days will be closely monitored by citizens and officials alike.
As the repair teams prepare to begin their work, the need for security will be paramount.
“Safety is our priority,” Adelabu said. “We cannot afford to lose more lives or resources due to these attacks.”
The government is hopeful that with adequate security measures in place, the repairs will be completed swiftly.
“This is a collective effort,” he reiterated. “We need everyone’s support to ensure our infrastructure is safe.”
