Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are raising urgent concerns over persistent power outages disrupting their lives, businesses, and economic activities. The worsening electricity supply has prompted widespread calls for Minister Nyesom Wike to declare a state of emergency on power in the FCT.
While inconsistent electricity has long been an issue in Nigeria, the current situation has reached critical levels, leaving many in prolonged darkness. This has led to widespread frustration, with residents urging Wike to take immediate action.
In Kubwa, resident Florence Ishiaku described a week marked by irregular power, with some neighborhoods left without electricity for up to 72 hours. “The power cuts have heightened insecurity, especially in areas like the market and Biazyn,” she said. “Darkness allows criminals to operate unchecked, creating safety concerns at night.”
The outages are also impacting businesses and healthcare services, particularly at Kubwa General Hospital, where power cuts have caused disruptions. “Small businesses are losing revenue, and essential services are struggling to cope without stable power,” Ishiaku added.
Mohammed Hassan, a business owner in Dawaki, echoed the appeal to the minister, urging a deep investigation into the root causes of the crisis. “We need a sustainable solution. The minister has demonstrated his commitment to infrastructure, and we hope he will act to address the power situation,” he said. “If he declares a state of emergency on electricity, we believe it will bring much-needed stability, helping businesses thrive and improve residents’ quality of life.”
Residents stress that as the FCT grows rapidly, a reliable electricity infrastructure is essential to support its expanding population and economic demands.