Buhari commissions NNPCL power project in Borno
President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project constructed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Thursday in Borno State.
Buhari described the project as another testament towards achieving a stable, uninterrupted power supply, aimed at improving the economy and lives of Nigerians and will supply 50 megawatts of electricity to Maiduguri and its environs.
The project, which is part of the Federal Government’s efforts at deepening gas utilisation in Nigeria’s domestic markets in line with the declaration of the “Decade of Gas” (2021-2030), is also expected to improve economic activities of Maiduguri and the entire Borno State.
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Speaking during the inauguration, President Buhari said his administration has worked hard to fulfill the promise of tackling the nation’s electricity challenges and has succeeded in laying the foundation for a strong, prosperous country through the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
He noted that a key execution priority of the ERGP is ensuring national energy sufficiency for Nigerians.
President Buhari directed the Ministry of Power and other relevant Agencies namely, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, and Transmission Company of Nigeria to continue to collaborate with NNPC Ltd, to ensure that millions of Nigerians have access to affordable electricity in the short term.
“The Maiduguri Emergency Power Project is part of an incremental 4,000MW of power generating assets that this administration embarked upon to improve national power supply and stimulate economic growth.
”The aggressive project strategy deployed to complete this project on schedule is a total reflection of Federal Government sensitivities in identifying and easing the plight of the Nigerians; particularly those recovering from the adverse impact of the insurgency in this North East region.
”For this purposeful response, I want to commend the NNPC Ltd for following my directive to ensure the immediate restoration of reliable power supply to Maiduguri within the shortest possible time”, he said.
The President reassured Nigerians of the federal government’s resolve to implement programmes, particularly in the power sector, that deepen domestic gas utilisation, expand national power generation capacity, revitalize industries, and create multiple jobs for economic growth.
On his part, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, said the power project will positively impact the economic well-being of the region.
“We acted on the directives of Mr President, we are grateful to Mr President for commissioning the Maiduguri Emergency thermal Power plant. Profoundly appreciate our team for delivering this eminently desirable project that will positively alter the economic well-being of the region”, he said.
The event was attended by the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; the Chairman of the NNPC Board, Margary Okadigbo, among other top officials in both the public and private sectors.
