The Nigeria Consumer Protection Network wants President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the country's power sector, as concerns mount over the frequent collapse of the national grid and its impact on millions of Nigerians.
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, the president of the group, Mr. Kunle Olubiyo, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of electricity supply across the nation, particularly in the northern states, which have been hardest hit by prolonged blackouts. Olubiyo urged the president to take immediate and decisive action to resolve what he described as the pronounced failure of the power sector, especially in light of the 2013 privatisation efforts that have yet to deliver on their promises.
“The power sector was privatised in 2013 with an embedded design for a mid-term review in 2018, and a review of the 10-year moratorium was also included. Unfortunately, the privatisation process has clearly failed to achieve its intended outcomes," Olubiyo noted. He added that the time had come for the government to reassess the privatisation agreements and the overall structure of the sector, which has been plagued by inefficiencies, mismanagement, and underinvestment.
He highlighted the recent widespread power outages, describing the situation as a national and global embarrassment. The affected states include Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Benue, Katsina, Taraba, Gombe, and parts of Borno and Nasarawa. Many residents of these areas have been living in darkness for days, severely impacting businesses, schools, hospitals, and daily life. According to Olubiyo, the federal government must not delay in addressing this issue, as the power sector is vital to Nigeria's economic growth and development.
“This situation requires firm and proactive action, including a presidential directive or executive order to address the power sector crisis. Nigerians are frustrated, and the current state of affairs is unsustainable,” Olubiyo stated.
Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed the recent outages in the northern region to the tripping of its 330 kV Ugwaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines. The TCN explained that the issue is technical, but consumers are demanding more transparency and efficiency in the sector’s management.
Despite political debates surrounding the privatisation of the power sector, many believe that the Tinubu administration must take decisive action to resolve these recurring problems. There is growing pressure on the president to act swiftly, as stable electricity supply is a key factor in national development and international competitiveness.
