Governor Babagana Zulum.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion in operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, describing the intervention as timely and crucial to the continued recovery and development of the state.
Governor Zulum said the approval demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the power needs of Borno State and supporting efforts aimed at rebuilding communities affected by years of insurgency.
The governor’s appreciation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya. According to the statement, the operational support will provide ₦2 billion monthly from March 2026 to December 2028, amounting to a total of ₦68 billion.
Zulum noted that the intervention would help bridge the current funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to Maiduguri metropolis and surrounding communities.
He said the support would also strengthen security operations, boost economic activities, and improve the living conditions of residents across the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to profoundly appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the monthly operational funding support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant,” the governor said.
He explained that the power project was initially conceived in 2021 as a presidential intervention following the prolonged blackout experienced in Borno State after insurgents vandalised major electricity transmission infrastructure.
The destruction of power installations had left the state without public electricity supply for nearly two years, severely affecting homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and other essential services.
To address the crisis, the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant was established to provide an alternative source of electricity and restore normal life in the state capital and adjoining areas.
Governor Zulum stated that since the commencement of the project, the plant has played a significant role in reviving economic activities and restoring confidence among residents and investors.
He added that the plant has also contributed to strengthening ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity by creating economic opportunities and reducing hardship among the population.
According to the governor, stable electricity remains one of the most critical drivers of development, especially in communities emerging from conflict.
He said access to reliable power has enabled many businesses to reopen, improved the productivity of artisans and traders, and supported the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
The governor further explained that improved electricity supply has enhanced healthcare delivery, educational services, and communication systems, all of which are vital to rebuilding lives and communities.
He recalled that the power plant was upgraded to a capacity of 50 megawatts in December 2023, significantly improving its ability to meet the growing demand for electricity in Maiduguri and nearby communities.
Zulum described the expansion as a major milestone that has helped stimulate socio-economic progress while creating employment opportunities for many youths and skilled workers.
He stressed that the latest presidential approval would guarantee the sustainability of the project and ensure that the gains already achieved are not lost.
The governor also noted that regular funding for the plant’s operations would ease pressure on the state government and allow more resources to be directed toward healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and humanitarian support.
He praised the Federal Government for recognising the strategic importance of stable electricity in sustaining peace and development in the North-East region.
According to him, energy access is directly linked to security, as communities with economic opportunities are less vulnerable to crime, violence, and extremist influence.
Governor Zulum said the continued operation of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant would further strengthen the resilience of Borno people and help consolidate the progress made in post-insurgency recovery.
He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue working closely with the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and other relevant agencies to ensure sustainable development in the energy sector.
The governor also pledged that his government would maintain transparency and accountability in all partnerships aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
He emphasised that the people of Borno remain grateful for the support received from the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Observers say the intervention is expected to provide long-term relief to residents who have endured years of unstable electricity supply due to conflict-related damage to national grid infrastructure.
Many residents and business owners in Maiduguri have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the funding support would guarantee more stable and affordable power supply.
Energy analysts also note that sustained investment in emergency and alternative power infrastructure is essential for states facing prolonged grid disruptions.
For Borno State, the latest approval is being seen as more than just an energy intervention. It is also regarded as a strategic investment in peacebuilding, economic revival, and long-term stability.
With the ₦68 billion operational backing now approved, expectations are high that the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant will continue to serve as a lifeline for millions of residents while supporting the state’s broader reconstruction agenda.
