North-East Governors Slam TCN Over Blackout, Await May 27 Deadline

The Northeast Governors' Forum (NEGF) has expressed disappointment over the prolonged blackout experienced by the region for the past month and the alleged lack of responsiveness from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in addressing this issue. The Forum is closely monitoring the commitment made by TCN to restore power to all the states of the region by May 27, 2024.

In a communique released after its 10th meeting held in Bauchi, the Forum urged the Federal Government to direct TCN to take immediate action.

As a short-term solution, the Forum has resolved to set up a solar power plant capable of generating a minimum of 10 megawatts per state.

The Forum noted with deep concern that the Northeast is the only region in Nigeria with a single transmission line supplying six states, covering a land mass of nearly 300,000 square kilometers and a population of over 35 million.

This has made the region the most vulnerable and disadvantaged for industrial development and economic growth, with over 70% of its population below 35 years of age.

The Forum called on the Minister of Power and the Federal Government to urgently implement the extension of the 330kV transmission line from Makurdi – Gassol – Jalingo, linking to Adamawa – Gombe – Bauchi, and the extension of the 330kV line from Kano- Bauchi- Yobe, linking to Borno.

The Forum also resolved to maximize the existing hydropower generated in Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dam, which the region has not been benefiting from due to the Ministry of Power's failure to extend the 330kV line of the Makurdi – Gassol- Jalingo line.

The Forum commended the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) for its developmental projects across the subregion but advised its leadership to be consultative in its dealings, operations, and project prioritization.