Tinubu orders a rapid restoration of power in the north

President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed Energy Minister Adebayo Adelabu and relevant authorities to expedite work to restore electricity supply to all affected northern states.

He also warned that the government would no longer tolerate the deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.

Tinubu gave the directive in a meeting with Adelabu, who briefed him on Monday on efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines at Aso Rock Villa.

“The President has sought a long-term solution to the problem,” said a statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday evening.

The statement was titled: “President Tinubu expressed concern over the power outage in the North and calls for speedy restoration of power supply.”

Last week, 17 northern states experienced a widespread power outage, leaving millions without power as they grapple with a prolonged blackout.

Authorities blamed vandals who damaged the critical Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, a vital line that supplies electricity to the north.

The repairs were challenging for the maintenance team due to safety concerns, Adelabu told reporters after the meeting on Monday.

But Tinubu expressed concern over the power outage in Nigeria's northern region last week.

“He is now leading efforts to end the disruptions that have crippled social and economic activities, summoning Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

“The President has directed the Energy Secretary and relevant authorities to expedite work to restore electricity supply to all affected northern states.

“President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of energy infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate power outage,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu urged TCN engineers not to relent in providing immediate assistance to the people in need of electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.

To ensure that the restoration work continues unhindered, Tinubu, the Presidency said, “also directed the National Security Adviser to work with the Army and the Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including air cover, to protect the engineers working on the damaged transmission line repair.”

He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and other thought leaders to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.