ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N68 billion in operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP), describing the move as a critical intervention to revive economic activities and strengthen security in Borno State.
The funding, scheduled for phased release between March 2026 and December 2028, is aimed at tackling persistent electricity shortages in the state, largely worsened by insurgent attacks on critical infrastructure.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Ndume said stable electricity supply would significantly boost economic productivity, particularly among small and medium-scale enterprises, while also supporting ongoing military operations in the insurgency-hit region.
He said, “I join the Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and other well-meaning citizens of my state to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this great gesture, aimed at ensuring stable electricity in the state.
“The fund released to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant is a lifeline that would ultimately engender economic activities, particularly operations of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
“As the saying goes, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. When the informal sector thrives in a place like Borno State, the government would have succeeded in cutting off the supply chain for recruitment of able-bodied men by the terrorists.
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“Apart from that, the stimulus for the seamless operations of our military would have been strengthened.”
The former Senate Chief Whip also called on federal and state authorities, security agencies, and residents to work together in protecting power infrastructure from destruction by insurgents and vandals.
“It is to the eternal credit of the federal government that it has responded speedily to our lamentations over power shortage.
“I urge our people to be vigilant and assist the security agencies in checking the excesses of vandals.
“We owe it a duty to safeguard the facilities as the benefits of stable electricity are numerous. When power is restored, it will boost economic activities and improve livelihoods. It will also strengthen efforts to address security challenges,” he added.
Ndume further stressed that collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure remains key to sustaining the gains expected from the intervention.