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IHRC-RFT Nigeria Calls for Urgent Action on Power Grid Failures
The International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter has expressed deep concern over the ongoing collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which has experienced its ninth disruption in 2024. This persistent instability poses a severe challenge to Nigeria’s economy, impacting the daily lives of citizens and undermining the productivity and competitiveness of Nigerian industries.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the union, Ambassador Ashiru Shehu Kachako, the Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter, Ambassador Captain Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu (Rtd), urged the government to address this pressing issue with immediate and strategic interventions. “This crisis affects millions of Nigerians, forcing businesses to rely on expensive, self-generated power and discouraging foreign investors, who are vital to national economic growth,” the statement read.
The recurring failures of Nigeria’s power grid also infringe upon fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Nigerian Constitution. Article 25 of the UDHR emphasizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including conditions that promote health and well-being. “A stable power supply is essential for ensuring safe living conditions, proper healthcare, and a functional economy,” the IHRC-RFT emphasized.
Article 22 of the UDHR addresses the right to social security, which includes economic, social, and cultural rights necessary for dignity and personal development. “Power grid failures compromise Nigeria’s ability to provide these social securities, as industries, education, and healthcare are severely impacted,” the statement added.
Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that the welfare and security of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. “Ensuring consistent electricity aligns with this duty, as reliable power is crucial for the well-being and security of the populace,” IHRC-RFT noted.
The statement identified several root causes of the power grid collapses:
1. Aging Infrastructure: Much of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, and minimal upgrades have led to frequent malfunctions and outages.
2. Underutilization of Funds: Despite significant allocations for power sector reforms, financial mismanagement has prevented meaningful improvements, leaving the grid vulnerable to recurrent failures.
3. Insufficient Power Generation: Nigeria’s power generation capacity does not meet the demands of its rapidly growing population, further straining the system.
4. High Transmission Losses: Nearly 30% of generated electricity is lost during transmission, further destabilizing power availability for end users.
“These issues place a heavy burden on the Nigerian people and economy,” IHRC-RFT stated. In the short term, the commission urges the government to implement effective emergency response measures to mitigate the impact of future collapses. In the long term, IHRC-RFT calls on the government to fast-track upgrades to transmission and generation infrastructure, allocate funds transparently, and work towards providing reliable electricity to meet national demand.
“We stand with the Nigerian people in demanding sustainable, reliable power solutions that will promote economic development, improve quality of life, and support human rights. Addressing this issue is a critical government responsibility that requires swift and sustained action,” the statement concluded.
News
60% of Christmas Celebrations Observed by Non-Christians in Kano
By Salisu Baso
An investigation carried out by independent journalist Salisu Baso has observed that about 60% of this year’s Christmas celebrations have been observed by the non-Christian community in Kano.
This year’s celebration has witnessed serious economic challenges, and the majority of Nigerians are managing to survive. Therefore, the Christian community has managed to conduct the occasion with the little earnings from their collective businesses, especially those at various markets in the state.
Investigations also learned that the delay in payment of government salaries to workers in the state has crippled the ceremonial activities, leading to low patronage in the markets.
The tradition of slaughtering goats by the celebrants has drastically dropped, and the presentation of gifts from well-meaning individuals house to house is also seeing a decline.
Visiting the Sabon Gari area, our source observed that the majority of the beer parlors in the evening hours were full of visitors, while New Road by Court Road, especially Ado Bayero Square, was occupied by a majority of youth celebrating the day.
When contacted, a traditional Igbo Chief, Amb. (Dr.) David N. Onwere, described this year’s celebration as manageable for Nigerians to celebrate the great events as a result of the critical economic conditions facing the nation. He said the majority of people in the state have not traveled to their respective areas due to the high cost of transport fees.
Chief Onwere then congratulated the entire Christian community in the country, particularly in Kano, and wished them a Happy New Year in advance.
News
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Congratulates APC National Chairman on 75th Birthday
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Bichi Federal Constituency, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary.
In a statement personally signed by Hon. Abubakar, he praised Dr. Ganduje for his inspiring life, which exemplifies integrity, honesty, dedication, and resilience—qualities that are the hallmarks of success in any career. “As a politician of the highest repute, you live an inspiring life which clearly demonstrates that integrity, honesty, dedication, and resilience are the hallmarks of success in any career,” Hon. Abubakar stated.
Hon. Abubakar also expressed his prayers for Dr. Ganduje, wishing him continued guidance and wisdom from Almighty Allah as he remains steadfast in leading the APC to greater heights. “As you celebrate your 75th birthday anniversary today, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah continues to guide and give you wisdom, as you remain resolute in moving our great party to greater heights,” he added.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has served in various capacities, including as the Governor of Kano State, is widely recognized for his contributions to the political landscape of Nigeria. His leadership and dedication have earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and constituents alike.
The congratulatory message from Hon. Abubakar underscores the high regard in which Dr. Ganduje is held within the APC and the broader political community. As the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ganduje continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the APC and advancing its mission and vision.
News
18-Year-Old Suspect in Niger State Murder Case Dies in Police Custody
An 18-year-old suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, who was accused of killing a retired Permanent Secretary in Niger State, Adamu Jagaba, has died in police custody.
Police sources confirmed Abdulhakeem’s death on Thursday, although the exact cause remains unclear. The suspect, recently paraded by Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmama, admitted during his arrest to being hired by workers of the deceased to carry out the murder at Jagaba’s block industry near the PDP Secretariat in Minna.
The Niger State Police Spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Abdulhakeem complained of severe stomach pain and coughing on December 19. He was taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for treatment but died while receiving medical attention. His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue, pending a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death. Investigations are ongoing.
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60% of Christmas Celebrations Observed by Non-Christians in Kano
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Congratulates APC National Chairman on 75th Birthday
18-Year-Old Suspect in Niger State Murder Case Dies in Police Custody
Garo felicitates with Ganduje @75
You’re a Winner of all times, Dan-agundi Felicitates with Ganduje on 75th Birthday
Ambition or Betrayal? Senator Barau Jibrin’s Role in Tax Reform Bill
Minimum Wage: Kano Water Board Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike
ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike
NLC Declares One Week Strike
President Tinubu Appoints Renown BUK Academic Prof Salisu Shehu ,Others Into Key Positions
60% of Christmas Celebrations Observed by Non-Christians in Kano
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Congratulates APC National Chairman on 75th Birthday
18-Year-Old Suspect in Niger State Murder Case Dies in Police Custody
Garo felicitates with Ganduje @75
You’re a Winner of all times, Dan-agundi Felicitates with Ganduje on 75th Birthday
Ambition or Betrayal? Senator Barau Jibrin’s Role in Tax Reform Bill
Minimum Wage: Kano Water Board Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike
ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike
NLC Declares One Week Strike
President Tinubu Appoints Renown BUK Academic Prof Salisu Shehu ,Others Into Key Positions
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