CNG Condemns Northern Power Outage, Cites “Deliberate Attempt to Cripple Region”

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised alarm over the ongoing blackout, which has exacerbated the region’s economic struggles and led to loss of lives in hospitals where critical medical equipment relies on power.

According to the CNG, the crisis began with vandalism on the Shiroro-Kaduna power line—one of the North’s main power conduits—while a secondary line had been in disrepair for months.

The only remaining line from Jos has proven insufficient, frequently tripping and failing to meet regional needs.

In a statement shared with journalists on Saturday, CNG National Coordinator Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi described the blackout as “unacceptable and alarming.”

The coalition has blamed the situation on long-standing neglect of the North’s power infrastructure, compounded by a lack of transmission capacity.

“If you want to destroy a region, destroy its electric power supply,” Charanchi quoted energy expert Professor Uwaifo, underscoring the critical role of power in regional stability.

Northern Nigeria’s limited power infrastructure starkly contrasts with allocations in other parts of the country, particularly in Lagos.

While northern DisCos (distribution companies) collectively receive only 160 MW out of the national capacity of 4,249 MW, Lagos alone receives around 1,400 MW.

This disparity, according to the CNG, reveals systemic neglect that hinders development in the North.

CNG also pointed to the stalled Eastern Backbone transmission project, aimed at enhancing connectivity in the North, which has been delayed by alleged mismanagement of over $500 million in savings earmarked for it.

Meanwhile, a $1.66 billion Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP), intended to upgrade the country’s transmission flexibility, has reportedly failed to benefit the North.

The coalition has called on the federal government and relevant stakeholders to address the crisis urgently.

“We urge the government to prioritize the North in power projects,” the CNG stated, appealing to northern governors and lawmakers to demand a fair share of national power resources.