Security measures have been beefed up at the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant project site in Borno ahead of its inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the president will officially open the 50-Megawatt gas-fired power plant on Thursday. It was developed by the federal government in partnership with the Borno state government.
Maiduguri, a major city in North-East Nigeria, was plunged into darkness as a result of insurgent attacks and damage on the town’s vital power supply infrastructure, which led to ongoing power outages.
Two major incidences of such unfortunate attacks were the destruction of three towers of electricity power lines along Damaturu – Maiduguri Road by the insurgents on Jan. 25 and March 27, 2021.
In April 2021, President Buhari gave the NNPC Ltd. management the order to restore power to Maiduguri and the surrounding area.
After discussions with the Borno administration, the NNPCL started work on a 50-Megawatt gas-fired power plant project to supply the city and its surroundings with dependable and sustainable electricity.
Many members of the Department of State Security Service, troops, and police have reportedly been stationed at the location.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Federal Fire Service are a few paramilitary organizations that are present on the ground.
NNPCL employees, cabinet members, certain royal fathers, and medical teams with their supplies are also on site.
The Minister of Electricity, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Governor Babagana Zulum, and Group CEO of NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari are expected to accompany the President.
Top officials from the federal and state administrations are also present for the occasion.
