The North-East Governors Forum has expressed deep concern over the recent month-long blackout experienced in their region. They criticized the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its perceived indifference in resolving the issue.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their 10th meeting held in Bauchi on Saturday, hosted by Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House, the governors voiced their dissatisfaction. The communiqué, signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, outlined their immediate and long-term strategies to address the power crisis.
To provide a short-term solution, the governors resolved to establish solar power plants capable of generating at least 10 Megawatts per state. They also urged the federal government to instruct TCN to expedite efforts to restore power to the region.
The communiqué reads: “The Forum notes with dismay the blackout experienced by the region over the last month and the nonchalant attitude exhibited by TCN in addressing this issue of national importance for the security and development of the country.
“Forum is keenly watching the commitment made by TCN to restore power to all the states of the region by May 27, 2024. Accordingly, the Forum urges the Federal Government to direct TCN to take immediate action. The Forum has resolved in the short term to set up a solar power plant that can generate a minimum of 10 Megawatts per state.”
The governors also reiterated their concern over the apparent neglect of the Northeast in the allocation of federal capital projects. They highlighted the poor state of infrastructure, particularly the deplorable conditions of roads and railways along the economic corridors linking the Northeast to the rest of the country.
“The roads from Enugu to Maiduguri are in deplorable states, and the railway from Enugu to Maiduguri has been destroyed. This is a major route for regional trade and is crucial for integration, peace-building, and improving national unity.”
The Forum noted that the Northeast is also excluded from the National Infrastructure Plan for transitioning from PMS to Compressed Gas. They called on the federal government to address this oversight and consider reconstructing the basic infrastructure along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor, ensuring the Northeast is included in all national development plans and initiatives.
Other governors present at the meeting included Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
