The North-East Governors Forum have expressed dismay over the blackout experienced by the region in the last month.
The forum berated the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN over what it describes as a ‘ nonchalant attitude’ in addressing the issue.
The governors disclosed their dissatisfaction in a communique issued at the end of their 10th meeting held in Bauchi on Saturday.
They were hosted by Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House.
According to the communique signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the governors resolved in the short term, to set up a solar power plant that can generate a minimum of 10 Megawatts per state.
They also urged the federal government to direct TCN to redouble its efforts at restoring power supply to the region.
The communique reads “Forum notes with dismay, the blackout experienced by the region over the last one month and the nonchalant attitude exhibited by the TCN in addressing this issue of National importance for the security and development of the country.
“Forum is keenly watching the commitment made by TCN to restore power to all the states of the region by the 27th May 2024; accordingly, the Forum urges the Federal Government to direct TCN to take immediate action. The Forum has resolved in the short term, to set up a solar power plant that can generate a minimum of 10 Megawatts per State.”
The Forum also reiterated its concern over the seeming neglect of the Northeast in the allocation of Federal Government Capital Projects.
It stated that despite its cry for attention on the state of infrastructure in the region, which has been consistently echoed in all its communique over the years, especially the poor road and railway infrastructure along the economic corridors that link the Northeast subregion to the rest of the country, nothing serious seems to be happening.
“ The roads from Enugu to Maiduguri are in deplorable states and the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri has been destroyed. This is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peace-building and improving national unity. “
The Forum stated further that the region is also not included in the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from PMS to Compressed Gas.
It called on the federal government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructures along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and the inclusion of the North East in all National Development Plans and initiatives.
Other governors present at the meeting are Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
Northeast governors decry blackout in region, plan to establish solar power plants
