Buhari commissions 50MW Maiduguri emergency power plant in Borno State
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned phase-1 of the 50-Megawatt Maiduguri & Environs Emergency Power Project (MEPP) built by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in collaboration with the Borno state government.
Mr. Buhari commissioned the project on Thursday during his one-day visit to the Borno state to inspect the burnt Monday Market and other projects executed by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum Administration.
EnergyDay gathered that the NNPC initiated the MEPP after a major attack on three towers of power transmission lines along Damaturu – Maiduguri Road by the insurgents on Jan. 25 and March 27, 2021, by insurgents.
The two incidents had, since January 2021, subjected Maiduguri and its environs to perennial power outages.
In August 2021, the NNPC signed an official contract with the China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC) and General Electric (GE), and in September 2021, the groundbreaking ceremony was held marking the official commencement of the project.
The China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC) was the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor while General Electric (GE) was the equipment manufacturer.
President Buhari commended the NNPCL for ensuring the immediate restoration of reliable power supply to Maiduguri within the shortest possible time and following his directives.
He said, “I want to reassure Nigerians of the Federal Government’s resolve to continue to implement programmes, particularly in the power sector, that will deepen domestic gas utilisation, expand national power generation capacity, revitalise industries and create multiple jobs for economic growth.
“Therefore, today, I have the honour to inaugurate another power plant that is aimed at improving electricity supply to Nigerian homes- an integral part of the huge successes being recorded by the Presidential Power Initiative.
“I would like to direct the Ministry of Power and other relevant agencies namely, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, Transmission Company of Nigeria, etc to continue to collaborate with the NNPC Ltd to ensure access to affordable electricity.
“I commend NNPC Ltd, the government and people of Borno State for this feat. I do hope that the undaunting spirit of the New NNPC Ltd will continue to engender affordable energy for Nigerians, not just for the immediate, but for the years ahead,” the outgoing President said.
Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State Governor, in his remark, commended the outgoing President for the project. He said that the 32MW phase 1, project was part of the 50MW project, dedicated to addressing the power sector crisis in the state.
The Borno State Governor said that the power plant will guarantee stable supply of electricity in the state and further boost the economy of the state.
