The minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, has issued 50-megawatt generation licence to NNPC Company Limited for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project, MEPP, meant to generate electricity to the Borno State capital and environs.
At a brief ceremony in his office on Saturday, the minister reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to the provision of electricity and supporting efforts to address electricity challenges by both private and public entities across the country.
Speaking on the peculiar situation of Maiduguri where insurgency disrupted power lines, leaving the entire state without electricity supply, Mr Abubakar said he was glad that the NNPC Limited indicated interest to invest in a 50MW power station to boost electricity supply in the state and possibly its environs.
He said though efforts are on course to restore the 330 lines destroyed by insurgents, other arrangements such as the 33 double circuit lines from Damaturu to Maiduguri presently being procured by the Ministry of Power would in no doubt provide various options of electricity supply to the state.
Speaking earlier, the chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, Sanusi Garba, explained the process that led to the issuance of licence to be through an application by NNPC Limited for the generation of a 50MW power station and submission of all necessary and required documents including their business plan.
He said though NERC had approved the application, it comes with terms and conditions and the licence is for a renewable 10-year period.
Responding, NNPC Ltd Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Mele Kyari, said NNPC Ltd sees itself beyond a petroleum company and as such is investing in a number of power plants across the country which is part of the key agenda of the company.
He said the company is also investing in renewable energy across the country.
The NNPC boss expressed delight over issuance of the licence, saying the investment would surely recover its cost.
He said further engagements between NNPC Ltd and the Ministry of power would continue to ensure quick completion of the project.
