The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has called on the Federal Government to address the ongoing power crisis affecting Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, NSF Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua urged prompt action to restore electricity to the impacted areas, where prolonged outages have disrupted daily life and hindered economic activity.
The NSF cited vandalism and national grid disturbances as the primary causes behind the power outages, which have brought significant hardship to the northern states. According to Senator Yar’adua, the lack of electricity has forced businesses to rely on expensive fuel for generators, pushing up operational costs and reducing profitability.
He indicated that Healthcare facilities, already stretched thin, are now dealing with rising expenses to keep critical medical equipment running.
“Without reliable electricity, our people are suffering,” Yar’adua said. “Small businesses are struggling, hospitals are facing increased costs, and citizens are bearing heavy financial burdens.”
The Forum outlined several urgent steps for the Federal Government to take invluding Fast-Tracking the repairs on the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines to quickly restore reliable power in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa.
To prevent further vandalism, the Forum called for stronger security measures around power infrastructure in the region.
The NSF advocated for government support of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company’s (KEDCO) renewable energy and mini-grid initiatives, which could provide a more sustainable and resilient power supply.
While acknowledging the improvements made in power distribution under the current administration, the NSF emphasized that the current crisis requires immediate attention to alleviate the burden on constituents and revitalize local economies.
“This is not just about restoring electricity; it’s about restoring livelihoods,” said Senator Yar’adua. “Our communities need action now to resume economic activities and support essential services.”
The NSF’s call to action underscored the urgency of the power situation, reflecting the widespread hope that the government will intervene promptly to provide lasting relief for Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa.