The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that the Federal Government is implementing measures to provide an alternative source of electricity to the Northern states. This initiative aims to alleviate the impact of the ongoing blackout that has affected the region.
The Northern states have been plunged into darkness for several days, primarily due to the vandalization of the Shiroro Kaduna transmission line. This disruption has raised significant concerns regarding the reliability of power supply in the area.
During a press briefing with State House reporters following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister Adelabu emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the power crisis. He highlighted the exploration of alternative solutions to restore electricity to the affected regions.
One of the proposed solutions involves utilizing the Ikot Ekpene substation, which is supplied by the Calabar power plant. However, this alternative line has also faced challenges, as it was cut along its route, further complicating efforts to restore power.
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Minister Adelabu noted that during the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, one of the key approvals granted was for the upgrade of the Shiroro Kaduna transmission line. This line is critical, as it serves as the main source of electricity for the northern part of Nigeria.
The Minister explained that the ongoing disturbances in electricity supply to the Northern states affect approximately 17 states. This widespread impact underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying issues causing the outages.
Adelabu reiterated that the root cause of the power disruptions is primarily linked to the vandalization of the transmission lines, particularly the Shiroro Kaduna line. This situation has led to significant challenges in maintaining a stable power supply.
In light of these developments, the government is actively working to restore power and ensure a more reliable electricity supply for the Northern states. The Minister’s statements reflect a proactive approach to tackling the power crisis and improving the overall energy infrastructure in the region.
