Borno State Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N68 billion operational support to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).
The Emergency Plant project, initiated in 2021 as a presidential intervention, was a critical response to the prolonged power outage caused by insurgents vandalizing power infrastructure, leaving the state without electricity for nearly two years.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum said the swift intervention by the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Tinubu is not only timely but will mitigate security challenges and improve the economic livelihoods of the people of Borno State.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, i wish to most profoundly appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for approving N2 billion monthly OPEX intervention funding from March 2026 to December 2028, totaling N68 billion to bridge the existing funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP),” Zulum stated.
“The MEPP intervention by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been pivotal in restoring power supply to Borno State,” Zulum stated.
“This has not only revived economic activities but has also significantly improved livelihoods and strengthened efforts to address security challenges.”
Governor Zulum noted that the power plant, commissioned 2021 and upgraded to 50 MW in December 2023, has catalyzed socio-economic development, created employment opportunities, and supported small and medium enterprises across the state.
He further explained that the availability of stable electricity has enhanced security by empowering communities economically and reducing vulnerabilities linked to insurgency and criminality.
The governor explained that the presidential approval will ensure a sustainable power supply to the Maiduguri metropolis and environs, thereby further strengthening the state’s resilience.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to ensure sustainable development in the energy sector and lasting peace and stability in the state.