Tinubu’s Power Intervention Wins Praise as Ndume Applauds ₦68bn MEPP Support

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the sum of ₦68 billion as operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

Findings revealed that the Emergency Power Project (EPP) is a presidential intervention initiated in 2021 to address the prolonged power outage caused by insurgents who vandalized power infrastructure, leaving the state without electricity for nearly two years.
Further findings indicate that the fund will be released in phases, with ₦2 billion monthly operational expenditure (OPEX) intervention funding from March 2026 to December 2028, amounting to a total of ₦68 billion to bridge the existing funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).
The lawmaker representing Borno South, in a statement he personally signed, expressed gratitude to the federal government for responding to the prolonged agitation of residents who have endured extended periods without electricity.
Senator Ndume noted that the restoration of power would enhance economic activities, particularly within the informal sector.
He also stated that stable electricity would complement the ongoing efforts of the military in combating insurgents, whom he described as agents of darkness that thrive in environments lacking visibility, especially at night.
He said: “I join the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and other well-meaning citizens of the state in expressing profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this commendable gesture aimed at ensuring stable electricity in the state.
“The funds released to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant will serve as a lifeline, ultimately stimulating economic activities, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“As the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. When the informal sector thrives in a place like Borno State, the government would have succeeded in cutting off the recruitment supply chain for able-bodied youths by terrorists.
“Apart from that, the support will strengthen the seamless operations of our military.”
The former Senate Chief Whip, however, called on relevant federal and state agencies, the military, and citizens to ensure that power infrastructure is protected from destruction by insurgents and vandals.
“It is to the credit of the federal government that it has responded swiftly to our concerns over power shortages.
“I urge our people to remain vigilant and support security agencies in curbing the activities of vandals.
“We all have a responsibility to safeguard these facilities, as the benefits of stable electricity are immense.
“With restored power, economic activities will increase, livelihoods will improve, and efforts to tackle security challenges will be strengthened.”