President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦68 billion operational support package for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP), a move aimed at stabilizing electricity supply in Maiduguri and boosting economic recovery in the region.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed deep appreciation for the intervention, describing it as both timely and impactful. According to him, the funding will play a critical role in sustaining operations at the plant and addressing long-standing energy challenges.
The approved funds will be released as a monthly intervention of ₦2 billion, spanning from March 2026 to December 2028. This structured disbursement is designed to close the financial gap in the plant’s operational expenses and ensure consistent electricity generation.
The Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant was originally initiated in 2021 as a federal response to the prolonged blackout in Borno State. The outage had been caused by insurgent attacks that damaged vital electricity infrastructure, leaving residents without power for nearly two years. Since its commissioning in 2021, the facility has undergone upgrades, reaching a capacity of 50 megawatts by December 2023.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum highlighted the broader impact of the intervention. He noted that the improved power supply has already begun to revive business activities, enhance livelihoods, and support ongoing security efforts in the state.
The governor emphasized that stable electricity is essential not only for economic growth but also for strengthening resilience in communities affected by years of insurgency. He added that the federal government’s commitment demonstrates a clear understanding of the region’s unique challenges and development needs.
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With this funding approval, stakeholders expect sustained improvements in energy access, increased investor confidence, and further stabilization of socio-economic activities across Borno State.
