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…..Two Years After Materials Arrived, Maiduguri Emergency Power Project Remains Unfinished
By: Abdullahi Inuwa
MAIDUGURI — Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has secured a fresh commitment from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to resume oil exploration in the state, raising hopes of unlocking its untapped petroleum wealth.
But the governor did not spare the national oil company over the prolonged delay in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, expressing concern that the critical project remains incomplete despite the necessary materials reportedly being on site for about two years.
Zulum raised the issues on Wednesday when he received the NNPCL top management team, led by the Board Chairman, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri to discuss oil exploration and energy development in Borno.
The governor described the resumption of oil exploration in the Borno Basin as a strategic opportunity to unlock the state’s vast economic potential, attract investment and accelerate development.
He noted that Borno’s commercial prospects and strategic location, bordering three countries, placed it in a strong position to benefit from renewed exploration activities.
Zulum expressed optimism that NNPCL’s renewed commitment would pave the way for the state to harness its hydrocarbon resources and create fresh opportunities for economic growth.
However, the governor turned the spotlight on the stalled Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant upgrade, urging NNPCL to move beyond assurances and take decisive action to deliver the project.
He stressed that the facility was vital to improving electricity supply in Maiduguri and neighbouring communities, with direct implications for businesses, public services and residents’ welfare.
The governor expressed dismay that the project had remained unfinished despite the availability of the required materials for approximately two years, calling on the company’s management to urgently tackle the obstacles delaying completion.
Responding, Kida assured Zulum that NNPCL was ready to fast-track the resumption of oil exploration in the Borno Basin.
He also pledged that the company would address the challenges holding back the emergency power plant upgrade, offering fresh hope for progress on both fronts.
The NNPCL chairman commended the governor for his continued support and for creating an environment conducive to investment in the state.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
The NNPCL delegation also included Mr. Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, and Mr. Olalekon Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, among other top officials.
For Borno, the twin commitments carry significant economic promise: renewed oil exploration could open a new chapter in the state’s resource development, while completing the long-delayed power plant upgrade remains a pressing test of NNPCL’s delivery on its assurances.
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