National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has called for urgent exploration of alternative power sources to combat the persistent blackouts plaguing Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at an event in Kano on Monday, Kwankwaso highlighted the critical need to harness the nation’s abundant resources for more reliable energy generation.
“It is time for Nigeria to look beyond its traditional energy sources,” Kwankwaso stated. “We must exploit the resources available to us to create multiple, sustainable sources of energy rather than relying on our existing, diminishing supply.”
Kwankwaso, who previously served as the governor of Kano State, encouraged both state governments and private investors to invest in alternative energy initiatives.
He cited the installation of two turbines at the Challawa Gorge and Tiga Dams in Kano as a successful model for reducing dependence on aging energy infrastructure.
“I wish to encourage all state governments and private investors to invest in alternative electricity sources, just like we did in Kano,” he said.
“This initiative has significantly mitigated our reliance on our inadequate and aged energy sources.”
The senator expressed his concern over the current state of electricity in Northern Nigeria, where many areas are suffering from complete power outages. He pointed out that vandalism of the critical 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna power line, which supplies electricity to Kano, Kaduna, and parts of the northeast, has severely impacted power availability.
“It is disheartening that many parts of Northern Nigeria are in total darkness today,” Kwankwaso lamented.
“The ongoing issues with the power supply have been exacerbated by the rising costs of petrol and diesel, which have plunged households into darkness and forced factories to shut down.”
He further emphasized that the duration of the current energy crisis underscores a significant capacity deficit in Nigeria’s power sector, which must be addressed to prevent future disruptions.
“The time this crisis has taken to be resolved highlights the urgent need for reforms and investments in our power infrastructure,” he asserted.
Kwankwaso’s remarks come at a time when the entire Northern region grapples with erratic power supply, with many areas experiencing total blackouts for months. The PUNCH’s recent investigations reveal that this ongoing power crisis has led to the closure of numerous cottage industries and significant job losses, as businesses struggle to operate without reliable electricity.
“The challenges we face in our power sector must be met with decisive action and investment,” he concluded.
“Only by embracing alternative energy sources can we hope to secure a sustainable and reliable energy future for Nigeria.”
