From Dauda Iliya
Federal government is to establish a gas plant to address lingering power in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Alhaji Mele Kyari made this known when he led management staff of the Corporation and other partners on a courtesy visit to Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum at the government House, Maiduguri.
Maiduguri and environs had in the last seven years experienced series of power outages due to vandalism and incessant attacks on power installations by the insurgents.
Alhaji Mele Kyari said the Corporation would leverage on existing power infrastructure to deliver the plant in the next four months.
“We are seeing a very short time frame and we think that between three and four months we should be able to put up a power plant in this town that will serve Borno. And I have the confidence of all of us, the gas suppliers, the potential supplier of power plant itself and also the distribution company to make sure this thing works, we are counting on your help and support to make sure we deliver”.
He explained that the project was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s cardinal principle of deepening gas consumption in the domestic market across the country.
Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum appreciated the NNPC and its subsidiaries for always identifying with the state during trying moments.
Professor Zulum explained that provision of sustainable energy is critical to addressing insurgency and other criminal activity in the region.
He promised to provide all the needed support and cooperation to see to the realisation of the project.