What exactly is happening in the North?
Arewa gida!
Is the North only valued when it’s time to vote? I got my mid week reminder to write, but this week I kept opening and closing my notepad, just staring at a blank screen. There’s so much to say, yet deep down, I wonder if it would change anything. Would it? Haven’t the North suffered enough? Why is the North always at the receiving end? If you wonder where I am headed, then tell me please you ain’t bothered about the terrible blackout in Northern Nigeria.
First, it was the National Grid collapsing thrice in a week, then this spoilage that took them days to understand what the problem was. To begin with, how can National grid be collapsing every 2-3 months?
This column reflects on the power outage as more than a temporary disruption— it’s a call to action on behalf of individuals, businesses, familiees and communities seeking the basic right to reliable electricity.
In the middle of the night, northern Nigeria went dark. Streetlights black out, homes were swallowed by darkness, and there’s no hum of generators to break the silence as those who could afford it to restore some light to their lives were very little, as it used to be before. For millions of people, this blackout was only the latest in a long line of disruptions.
It isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reminder of deeper issues that have persisted for many years. Power outages in northern Nigeria highlight not just a technical problem but a crisis in energy equity—an unequal access to something as essential as electricity, which many around the world take for granted.
The effects of these blackouts are felt across every aspect of life. Families try to navigate nightly routines in darkness, children struggle to study, and hospitals operate at risk, relatives kept loosing their loved ones, those that are dependent on oxygen kept struggling to survive and in most cases, died! Babies in the incubator barely survive. For some, it’s their CS due date and they keep getting postponement.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those in industries like food processing, textiles, and retail, the unpredictability of power supply becomes a constant threat to their success. Some had to close down for the time being and if care is not taken, that’s the end of some businesses.
Yet, the cost of these outages isn’t just economic; it’s personal. When public spaces are darkened, safety is compromised. Neighborhoods become harder to navigate at night, and crime can become harder to control. These problems highlight how much power stability is woven into the fabric of security, opportunity, and the everyday quality of life.
Unconfirmed reports highlights that dubious individuals may be entering the neighboring area of Tudun Yola in Kano. Some speculate that the ongoing blackouts are deliberate, intended to facilitate their arrival and settlement discreetly. By the time we’re aware, the harm we fear may already be done. Katsina and Zamfara are very good examples.
But why is the situation so stark for northern Nigeria? The answer lies in the infrastructure. Northern Nigeria faces unique geographic and infrastructural challenges, relying on power transmitted over long distances from the south, where most power plants are located. This centralized system makes northern regions especially vulnerable to blackouts— when a line fails, an entire community can be left in the dark.
The lack of sufficient infrastructure investment compounds the issue, as transmission lines age and falter. Southern regions, with more access to natural gas and renewable projects, have better energy security, but northern Nigeria continues to be underserved.
While infrastructure is a challenge, it’s only part of the story. Northern Nigeria’s experience with frequent outages is a symptom of energy inequity—a disparity that mirrors broader issues of development and opportunity. Access to electricity isn’t just a privilege; it’s a basic right that should be guaranteed to all Nigerians.
Yet, while the south benefits from relatively stable power access, the north is often left behind, unable to enjoy the same basic standard of living. This disparity is a missed opportunity, not only for the communities affected but for Nigeria’s economy as a whole. Reliable power fuels growth, encourages investments, and drives development. Without it, the region is locked out of reaching its full potential.
To bridge this gap, Nigeria must look forward and consider long-term, sustainable solutions. First, government transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that budget allocations for power projects are fairly distributed. It’s crucial to prioritize investments in the north’s infrastructure to create a more balanced energy landscape. While budget commitments are made each year, the progress has been slow, and accountability needs to be a guiding principle if lasting change is to happen.
Energy equity isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about leveling the playing field and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to the tools they need to succeed. The power outage in northern Nigeria is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done, but it’s also an opportunity for Nigeria to rethink its approach to energy. By investing in resilient infrastructure, supporting renewable solutions, and committing to equity, Nigeria can turn this spotlight on darkness into a beacon of hope and progress for all.
When will we start holding our leaders accountable? Seriously, when? They act as they please, with no one challenging them! We can’t keep turning a blind eye.
We can’t keep adjusting to every new challenge. Cost of living rises, food prices soar, fuel costs increase — we adjust. The Naira loses value, we adjust. And now, almost two weeks without power, and still, we’re adjusting. Really?
Is this how we’re supposed to keep going? To what end? Until even basic necessities like salt are out of reach? We elected you to serve us, to act in our best interests. You’re not doing us a favor; you’re in those positions for us, because of us. So, step up and do what’s needed.
If the North truly mattered, there would have been a swift response about this issue not these periodic press releases from TCN. Our leaders, representatives, celebrities and influencers have all remained silent.
What a shame!
- Kabara, is a writer and public commentator. Her syndicated column, Voice, appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays. She can be reached on hafceekay01@gmail.com.