In response to the month-long power outage in several northeastern states due to the vandalization of the Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line, the Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action to address the situation and restore power to the affected regions.
During a session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate urged the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to expedite repair works on the vandalized transmission line and restore power to Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, and Taraba states.
Additionally, the federal Ministry of Power was directed to allocate funds for the repairs and extend the power line to include the Gombe-Maiduguri end.
The Senate’s resolution, prompted by a motion sponsored by Senator Manu Haruna and 14 other lawmakers, reiterated the urgent need to address the power outage affecting millions of residents in the northeast.
Senators emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and called for collaboration between the Ministry of Power, security agencies, and local vigilantes to deter future acts of vandalism.
Furthermore, the Senate appealed to President Bola Tinubu to expedite the construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo-Yola-Gombe 330KV transmission line, providing an alternative supply path to the North-East in case of faults on the Jos-Gombe line.
Senators expressed concerns about the long-standing neglect of the Northeast and called for increased attention to the region’s well-being.
Speaking during plenary, Senator Kaka Lawan highlighted the dire situation, noting that parts of the zone had been without electricity for two years even before the recent vandalism.
On his part, former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan lamented over the persistent poverty in the Northeast, urging the government to prioritize the region’s development.
He noted the limitations of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and called for sustained efforts to address the region’s challenges.
Also speaking, Senator Adamu Aliero emphasized the need for accountability and justice, advocating for the arrest and prosecution of the vandals responsible for the power line destruction.
