A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Katsina State has raised alarm over the severe power outages affecting several northern states in Nigeria, which they claim are contributing to daily fatalities in hospitals.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the coalition’s chairman, AbdulRahman Abdullahi, highlighted the critical impact of the outages on electricity-driven healthcare services, leading to tragic loss of lives.
Mr. Abdullahi described electricity as a “lifeline,” emphasising that the ongoing outages, caused by a recent collapse of the national grid, have inflicted significant hardships on millions, disrupting lives, businesses, and essential services.
He noted that businesses reliant on stable power have been forced to close, resulting in economic setbacks and loss of livelihoods. Over the past eight days of the outage, the toll on communities has escalated, he reported.
Mr Abdullahi stated, “Electricity is a lifeline and its absence has brought a range of dire consequences.
“This extended outage, resulting from the recent collapse of the national grid, has inflicted severe hardships on millions, impacting lives, businesses, and essential services.
“Many businesses dependent on a stable power supply have been forced to close, resulting in economic setbacks and loss of livelihoods.
“In the past eight days of this power outage, we have witnessed the mounting toll on our communities, with the negative impacts continuing to escalate.”
He explained that it was disheartening that in spite of the magnitude of the crisis, there has been little communication from the authorities about when to expect a resolution.
“Those in positions of power appear indifferent, seemingly insulated by access to private generators and solar systems at their residences and workplaces.
“This disparity only intensifies the frustration felt by the ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of this crisis.”
He expressed concern over the inability of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to provide adequate updates or a comprehensive progress report on the status of the repairs.
“As a key national institution with significant financial and material resources, TCN has a duty to swiftly resolve this issue and to keep the affected regions informed.
“The current state of prolonged silence and inaction is both unjustifiable and unacceptable.
“The Coalition, therefore, calls upon the relevant authorities to prioritise this crisis with the seriousness it warrants.
“In the interest of transparency and accountability, we demand an immediate and sustained response to alleviate the suffering caused by this ongoing power outage,” the coalition added.
(NAN)
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