The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised alarm over persistent power outages across northern Nigeria, attributing the crisis to what it describes as a “conspiracy” to undermine the region’s economic stability.
In a recent statement, ACF alleged that the Federal Government’s failure to restore electricity could be a deliberate strategy to stifle northern economic growth.
Issued by the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the statement called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the power crisis, which has caused significant disruption to both economic and social activities in the region.
“For over a week, the northern states of Nigeria have been in near-total paralysis, with most areas grappling with prolonged power outages,” ACF said.
“This situation has created widespread frustration among the populace.”
ACF pointed out that statements from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) indicate no immediate solution, with both technical and security challenges cited as ongoing obstacles.
The Forum expressed dismay that despite northern Nigeria’s role as a major electricity generator, the region receives the least supply allocation.
“It is troubling that Lagos alone has eight substations, while all of northern Nigeria, home to over half of the country’s population, is served by only three substations in Jos, Kaduna, and Kano,” the statement added.
According to ACF, this discrepancy highlights a “national security threat” and exemplifies a lack of accountability by public officials.
“The silence from authorities on this matter demonstrates a troubling abdication of responsibility,” the Forum warned.
The group also criticised excuses related to the security challenges posed by banditry, which is reportedly hindering repairs to power lines.
ACF questioned why, despite significant funding, Nigeria’s security forces have been unable to secure power infrastructure from criminal elements.
Small and medium-sized businesses across the region, ranging from recharge vendors to rice mills, have been forced to halt operations, dealing a blow to daily livelihoods.
Households and offices have been left without cooling and lighting, pushing northern residents into what ACF described as “medieval darkness.”
ACF lamented that this issue has sparked widespread debate, yet has been met with “deafening silence” from officials expected to address it.
“This indifference from those constitutionally mandated to show care is disheartening,” the Forum said.
Calling on the Federal Government to treat the power crisis as an urgent national security threat, ACF demanded a fair review of the country’s power allocation.
“It is unacceptable that while the North acts as a candle providing light, it is melted down and plunged into darkness.”
ACF further urged northern governors and lawmakers to raise their voices and advocate strongly for immediate action, stressing the need for equitable treatment in electricity supply to preserve national stability and economic fairness.
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