Blackout: Tinubu orders restoration of electricity in Northern Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Monday met with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he directed them to lead the efforts to end the blackout in northern Nigeria, disrupting and paralysing social and economic activities.

Tinubu, who expressed concern over the situation in the region, specifically directed the Minister of Power and other agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.

President Tinubu is saddened by reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.

During the meeting with the Minister of Power, who briefed on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the President directed a long-term solution to the problem.

He charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.

Meanwhile, to ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu has also directed the NSA to liaise with the authorities of the Army and Air Force to facilitate the deployment of adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.

The President implored traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.

A statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted President Tinubu as saying that his administration will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.