The International Human Rights Commission – RFT (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter has issued an urgent call to the Nigerian government to address significant power infrastructure disparities impacting economic development in northern Nigeria.
In a press release, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the Country Director of IHRC-RFT, highlighted findings showing a disproportionate concentration of 330kV substations in southern Nigeria, particularly in states like Lagos and Ogun, while northern regions remain under-served in this critical infrastructure.
This imbalance has hindered industrialization, reduced job creation, and exacerbated poverty in the North, according to Adamu.
He emphasized that access to reliable power is integral to upholding basic rights, referencing Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which affirms the right to an adequate standard of living, including essential resources such as energy.
“Without equitable access to power infrastructure, northern Nigerians are deprived of the foundation needed for industrial growth, economic stability, and improved livelihoods,” Adamu stated.
The IHRC-RFT called upon various government representatives, state leaders, traditional authorities, and stakeholders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, to work together to prioritize the equitable expansion of electricity infrastructure in the North.
The organization outlined several recommendations to tackle the issue:
1. Investing in Northern Power Infrastructure: Increasing the number of 330kV substations and enhancing transmission networks in the North is critical. This infrastructure would support industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and improve living standards across the region.
2. Implementing a Balanced Development Strategy: The IHRC-RFT recommends an equitable approach to infrastructure investment, ensuring northern communities receive fair resource allocation. This would contribute to poverty reduction and align with the UDHR’s principles of equality and dignity for all Nigerians.
3. Attracting Industrial Investment: Reliable power infrastructure would attract industries necessary for establishing a self-sustaining northern economy, expanding economic opportunities, and fostering regional development.
“The IHRC-RFT is committed to collaborating with government and community leaders to advocate for infrastructure that serves all Nigerians”
“This call to action is not only about energy access but about upholding the rights, dignity, and potential of every Nigerian to contribute to a more unified and prosperous nation” Adamu stated.