- Business owners in Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa suffered losses due to a week-long blackout caused by vandalism of power transmission lines. The blackout impacted essential services and the food supply.
- The Jigawa State House Assembly has passed a new electricity law to improve power generation and distribution while addressing vandalism and financial burdens on communities.
Business owners in Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa are facing significant losses due to a week-long blackout caused by vandalism of power transmission lines in northern Nigeria. This disruption has severely impacted essential services, including water supply, sanitation, street lighting, and healthcare, with many hospitals struggling to operate without electricity.
https://nannews.ng/Local businesses, including shopkeepers, millers, and artisans, described the situation as “pathetic” in a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Rice millers in Gombe, in particular, expressed frustration over how the erratic power supply is crippling their operations.
Musa Arab, a miller at Nassarawo Industrial Layout, stated that the mills have remained inactive due to the inability to afford the high fuel costs for alternative power sources. This has decreased the rice supply, raising concerns about food security.
“The government must take action against those responsible for the persistent grid failures,” Arab urged, emphasising the need for reliable electricity to support industry. He also noted that over 20 workers have been without jobs during the blackout, highlighting the broader economic impact.
Yusuf Ibrahim warned that the ongoing blackout could exacerbate inflation, as prices for local rice varieties are expected to rise due to reduced supply. Following the power outage, the cost of a 100-kilogram bag of rice has surged to between N120,000 and N160,000, compared to N110,000 to N150,000 before the blackout.
Ugochukwu Daniel, a bartender in Bauchi, lamented the unreliable power supply, asserting that stable electricity is crucial for businesses to thrive. He has been forced to rely on generators, incurring additional costs to keep his operations running. “Without electricity, there is nothing you can do,” he said, emphasising the necessity of dependable power for economic activity.
Similarly, Samuel Adamu has turned to charcoal for ironing clothes despite the increased cost and inconvenience. He noted that many laundry services adapt by splitting tasks to manage expenses more effectively.
In response to the ongoing energy crisis, Muhammad Adamu, Chairman of the Jigawa State House Assembly Committee on Power and Energy, highlighted the recently passed Jigawa Electricity Law 2024. This legislation aims to enhance power generation and distribution in the state and establish the Jigawa Electricity Commission to regulate the local electricity market.
Adamu assured residents that the new law would improve access to reliable and affordable power, crucial for economic development, particularly in rural areas. He expressed optimism that it would also help curb vandalism by addressing the financial burdens of repairing and maintaining power infrastructure.
Overall, stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms and investments in the energy sector to create a stable electricity supply, which is vital for supporting businesses and ensuring the well-being of communities across northern Nigeria.