Power Crisis Deepens in Northern Region as 17 States Face Blackouts

The prolonged and recurring power outages across 17 Northern Nigerian states have left residents struggling to adapt as they seek alternative ways to power essential devices like phones and laptops.

According to reports, regions once bustling with commercial activity now face immense challenges due to the national grid’s frequent collapses, with 108 failures recorded since the power sector’s privatization. This crisis has disrupted critical institutions such as hospitals, schools, and media houses, with the most affected states including Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina.

In Kaduna, residents have resorted to charging devices at banks, eateries, and churches, often paying fees. Businesses are also severely impacted, with many facing increased costs and decreased revenue. Ice block prices have surged due to high demand and fuel costs, while PoS operators and salon owners report losses as generators become unaffordable.

Power infrastructure issues, including the vandalism of transmission towers, contribute to the unstable supply. The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) cited tower damage along the Shiroro-Kaduna lines as a significant cause of disruption, with some areas relying on limited power from the Jos-Kaduna line.

Neighboring states like Niger and Kwara report more stable electricity, exposing disparities within the national grid. Calls for federal intervention are growing as residents highlight the urgent need for reliable power to sustain livelihoods, prevent insecurity, and stimulate development. Local governments and community leaders are pressing for solutions as businesses shut down, costs rise, and the economy stalls across Northern Nigeria.