The Federal Government has declared intentions to restore electricity in Northern Nigeria within the next 72 hours.
On October 22, the Transmission Company of Nigeria reported a power outage across the North-East, North-West, and sections of North-Central Nigeria after the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ugwaji-Apir double circuit transmission lines 1 and 2 tripped. Nafisatu Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator, revealed that rebels sabotaged the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which supplies power to the North.
Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu asked the military to protect the electricity cables while repairs were carried out.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, October 29, at a session with the Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu addressed the ongoing power outage in the north.
Adelabu indicated that, as a temporary remedy, power would be diverted through the Ugwuaji-Makurdi transmission line, which serves nearly 80% of the impacted states.
The Minister stated, “Power will be restored to the North in two to three days. We will use the Ugwuaji-Makurdi transmission line temporarily.”
Adelabu informed the committee that once full access was acquired, the damaged lines will be repaired, ensuring full power restoration within the following 14 days.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli