AKWA IBOM STATE — A prolonged power outage has plunged Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State and surrounding communities into darkness for more than a week, following a major fault on the Aba–Itu 132kV transmission line. The blackout has disrupted homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals, sparking widespread frustration and calls for accountability.
The outage, which began in early November, affects key areas including Uyo, Itu, Eket, and Ekim. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the fault originated from a wire cut along the Aba–Itu line, a critical infrastructure that supplies electricity to much of Akwa Ibom. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), responsible for local distribution, says the issue is beyond its control.
Residents report near-total darkness for days, with only brief and unpredictable flickers of supply. Many have turned to generators and solar alternatives, while others are forced to endure heat, food spoilage, and business losses. “We’ve had no light for over a week. It’s affecting everything — from our shops to our homes,” said a trader in Uyo’s Itam market.
Compounding the crisis are earth faults at multiple transmission stations, including those in Eket and Ekim. These faults have made restoration efforts more complex, and no official timeline has been given for full repair. PHED has urged patience, but many customers say communication has been poor and updates scarce.
The blackout comes on the heels of recent PHED staff strikes, which disrupted customer service and maintenance operations. Though the strike has since been resolved, the lingering effects have slowed response times and deepened public distrust in the utility’s reliability.
Social media platforms have become a hub for complaints, with hashtags like #UyoBlackout and #NoLight trending among frustrated residents. Many users are demanding transparency from PHED and TCN, and some have called for government intervention to fast-track repairs and improve grid resilience.
Businesses, especially those reliant on refrigeration and digital services, are among the hardest hit. Cybercafés, barbershops, and frozen food vendors report daily losses, while schools and hospitals struggle to maintain operations. “We’re spending more on fuel than we earn,” said a local barbershop owner.
The Akwa Ibom State government has yet to issue a formal statement, but local lawmakers have reportedly urged federal authorities to prioritize repairs. Residents say they feel abandoned and are demanding not just electricity, but clear communication and compensation for losses incurred during the blackout.
The outage also raises broader questions about Nigeria’s national grid stability. The country has experienced multiple grid collapses in 2024 and 2025, exposing systemic weaknesses in transmission infrastructure and coordination between agencies. Experts warn that without investment and reform, such outages will become more frequent.
As the blackout stretches into its second week, calls for accountability grow louder. Residents say they deserve better — not just electricity, but a power system that works when they need it most. Until then, Uyo remains in the dark — literally and figuratively.
