NNPC partners Borno to build gas power plant

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is partnering Borno State Government to build a gas power plant in Maiduguri, to boost power supply in the state.

The move followed the destruction of three towers of electricity power lines along Damaturu/Maiduguri road by Boko Haram insurgents on January 25 and March 27, 2021, which plunged the state into darkness for two and a half months.

While announcing alternative power supply at the weekend, in Maiduguri, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, said the corporation took the step to resolve the power problem in the state, particularly in Maiduguri metropolis and environs.

“It’s Mr. President’s cardinal principle to deepen gas consumption in the country’s domestic markets,” he said, stating that the easiest road to that is by delivering gas for power supply and ultimately to individuals and households.

“The President has declared this year as the decade of gas,” noting that it will be a significant gas entry into the domestic market.” He said there is opportunity and challenge to support the state, because of the teething problems of supplying electricity to Maiduguri.

On how to establish the gas power plant, he said: “We’re now partners in the value chain and have talked to each other. It’s possible to establish a dedicated power plant in Maiduguri, which will serve the current needs. The gas plant could potentially supply power to neighbouring countries and cities.” He said the gas power project also requires basic infrastructure from Governor Babagana Zulum to complete it.

In his response, Governor Zulum said: “Today’s event can change the narratives of our state. Power is very essential. With it, we can reduce the magnitude of the insurgency; because millions of people are earning their means of livelihoods through the supply of electricity.