Zulum Commends Tinubu’s ₦68bn Approval For Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant
Zulum Commends Tinubu’s ₦68bn Approval For Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion operational funding support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP), describing the intervention as critical to restoring stability and economic recovery in the state.The emergency power project, initiated in 2021 as a presidential intervention, was designed to address a prolonged electricity blackout triggered by insurgents who vandalised power infrastructure, leaving Borno State without electricity for nearly two years. In a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Zulum expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government, noting that the approval provides ₦2 billion monthly operational expenditure funding from March 2026 through December 2028, bridging major financial gaps affecting the plant’s operations. According to him, the intervention—implemented through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited—has already played a vital role in restoring electricity supply across Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
The governor explained that stable power has revived economic activities, strengthened small and medium enterprises, created employment opportunities, and improved living standards for residents affected by years of insurgency. Zulum also highlighted the security implications of the project, stating that reliable electricity contributes to economic empowerment, reduces vulnerability to criminal activities, and enhances community resilience.
Originally commissioned in 2021 and upgraded to a 50-megawatt capacity in December 2023, the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant has become a central pillar of Borno State’s recovery strategy.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Federal Government to ensure sustainable energy development, long-term peace, and socio-economic stability in the region.
