The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, announced significant developments during the commissioning of the 50-MegaWatt Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant project, which was officiated by President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in Borno. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative was prompted by insurgent attacks that had destroyed three electricity power line towers in Maiduguri. In April 2021, President Buhari directed NNPC Ltd. to restore power supply to Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.
Kyari explained that, following the president’s directive, a 32MW gas-fired power plant was designed and constructed within an unprecedented timeframe of 16 months. This plant has successfully undergone test runs and has been confirmed ready for operation by the president. He emphasized that the unveiling of the emergency thermal power plant marks the beginning of a new chapter for NNPCL in commercial energy, both for on-grid and off-grid capital markets. Furthermore, he indicated that the Maiduguri emergency power project would soon be scaled up to 50MW, making it the first thermal plant of this magnitude in the entire North East region.
The GCEO noted that interventions from the Ministry of Power had successfully restored the traditional 330KV line in Maiduguri and established an additional 33KV line from Damaturu to Maiduguri. He stated, “The combined effect of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant and the replacement of the transmission lines makes Maiduguri the most sufficiently capitalized city in Nigeria.” He expressed optimism that Maiduguri could soon become a new power hub in the region, potentially leading to power exports to neighboring countries.
Kyari described the project as a significant opportunity for NNPC to monetize its abundant natural resources while expanding access to energy, thereby supporting economic growth, industrialization, and job creation across the country. He highlighted Maiduguri’s historical role as the commercial nerve center of the North East for over a century, noting its demographic advantages and geographical accessibility to sub-regional markets, including the Republic of Niger, Chad, the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Mali. Despite these opportunities, he acknowledged that energy poverty has hindered local business communities from fully expanding their market potential.
The GCEO further stated that the project would create a better investment climate and advance the Federal Government’s domestic gas utilization mandate. It aims to support the power industry, the Borno state government, and other stakeholders in achieving a sustainable energy supply. To ensure the plant’s sustainable operations, it has been equipped with a natural gas system for energy supply.
Kyari also mentioned that NNPCL and its partners are currently delivering 800MW to the national grid from the Afam two and Afam six thermal plants, which have a combined installed capacity of over 1,100 MW. He noted the completion of the Okpai phase two project, which will add an additional 320MW of power to the national grid. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing power projects across the country, including those along the AKK pipeline route. Kyari expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the ministry, relevant power stakeholders, and the Borno state government in achieving this milestone.
Comments are closed for this story.