Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion in operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP). Ndume described the intervention as a critical step toward restoring economic stability and strengthening security in Borno State.
Background of the Power Crisis
The emergency power project was conceived in 2021 as a presidential intervention to address the prolonged blackout in Maiduguri and surrounding areas. The outage followed the destruction of transmission infrastructure by insurgents, leaving the state without public electricity supply for nearly two years. This worsened humanitarian and economic conditions significantly.
Details of the Funding
The newly approved funding will be disbursed in phases, with a monthly operational expenditure (OPEX) support of ₦2 billion from March 2026 to December 2028, totaling ₦68 billion. The fund is intended to bridge existing financing gaps and ensure the sustained operation of the plant.
In a personally signed statement, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for responding to persistent appeals by residents and stakeholders over the prolonged power crisis. He noted that the restoration of electricity would significantly enhance economic activities, particularly within the informal sector, which remains the backbone of livelihoods in the state.
“I join the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and other well-meaning citizens in expressing profound appreciation to the President for this intervention aimed at ensuring stable electricity supply,” Ndume said.
Impact on Economy and Security
Ndume described the funding as a “lifeline” that would catalyze the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), create employment opportunities, and ultimately reduce the vulnerability of idle youths to recruitment by insurgent groups. According to him, stable power supply would also complement ongoing military operations in the North-East by improving visibility and operational efficiency, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
“Insurgents thrive in environments of darkness and limited visibility. The restoration of electricity will not only boost economic activities but also strengthen the resilience of our security architecture,” he added.
Call for Infrastructure Protection
Ndume urged relevant federal and state agencies, as well as security operatives and local communities, to take proactive measures to safeguard power infrastructure from vandalism and further attacks. He stressed the need for collective vigilance, noting that the sustainability of the intervention depends largely on the protection of critical assets.
“It is to the credit of the Federal Government that it has responded promptly to our concerns. We must now ensure that these facilities are protected. The benefits of stable electricity are enormous, from improved livelihoods to enhanced security,” he said.
