President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the ongoing blackout in northern Nigeria, which has crippled social and economic activities in the region over the past week.
In response, the President has summoned the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to lead efforts to restore electricity to the affected states.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu directed all relevant agencies to expedite the restoration of power.
The President also condemned the acts of vandalism and deliberate destruction of power infrastructure that caused the blackout, vowing that such sabotage will no longer be tolerated.
“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.
During a meeting with Minister Adelabu, the President was briefed on the ongoing efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to repair the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines that were damaged. Tinubu called for a long-term solution to prevent future disruptions and urged TCN engineers to bring swift relief to the affected communities.
“President Tinubu charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities,” Onanuga noted.
To ensure the restoration work proceeds without further hindrance, Tinubu has also directed National Security Adviser Ribadu to collaborate with the Army and Air Force to provide security for the engineers working on the damaged transmission lines. This includes deploying personnel and aerial surveillance to protect critical infrastructure.
Additionally, the President called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other influential figures to assist security agencies in safeguarding public utilities. He warned that the government will no longer tolerate acts of sabotage and will take decisive action against those responsible for the destruction of public assets.
“President Tinubu implores traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure,” Onanuga said, stressing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on further sabotage.