The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urgently called for a State of Emergency regarding the ongoing power outages plaguing northern Nigeria. Over the past week, the region has faced severe electricity supply disruptions, causing near-total paralysis of economic and social activities.
Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, expressed concern about the situation, stating that it has led to widespread frustration among the populace. He noted that statements from officials at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) suggest the power issues may continue indefinitely due to technical and security challenges.
The impact of the outages is profound, affecting even the smallest businesses, such as telephone recharge points, barbing salons, and food processors, many of which rely on stable electricity for their daily operations. Medium-scale enterprises, including rice mills and bakeries, are also struggling, particularly those unable to afford high fuel costs or lacking alternative power sources.
“Home and office operations are hindered, with cooling and heating systems failing and nighttime darkness reminiscent of pre-civilization,” ACF highlighted, pointing out the lack of response from government officials regarding the situation. This silence has led to growing speculation about a possible deliberate strategy by the Federal Government to economically disadvantage the North.
The ACF criticized the apparent indifference of federal leaders, including the Minister for Power and state governors, noting that the issue has not prompted significant reactions from state assemblies. Only a few voices in the National Assembly have bravely spoken out, highlighting the entrenched silence among elected officials.
The organization also pointed out the inequities in electricity generation and distribution, emphasizing that, despite the North’s significant contribution to electricity generation, it receives the least supply. For instance, while Lagos has eight substations, the entire northern region, which holds more than half of Nigeria’s population, has only three substations located in Jos, Kaduna, and Kano.
The ACF’s statement underscores the urgency of the power crisis, framing it as a national security threat and a clear abdication of responsibility by public officials.