Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s energy transition and economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are yielding measurable results, with Borno State emerging as a shining example through two major power projects delivering a combined 62MW capacity.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this during an inspection tour of federal and state projects in Borno, noting that the President’s reform agenda has freed up fiscal space for states to expand investments in energy infrastructure and sustainable power generation.
“President Tinubu’s reforms are not just about macroeconomic stability, they are about tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians,” Idris said.
“In Borno State, we can see clear evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda is driving real transformation, especially in the power sector.”
According to him, the 12MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant at the University of Maiduguri, which now saves the institution about N170 million monthly in energy costs, is a prime example of how fiscal prudence and renewable energy investment can strengthen resilience in critical institutions.
“This solar project is a model for sustainability,” Idris added. “It ensures energy security for the university, reduces dependence on diesel, and channels savings into academic and infrastructural development.”
The Minister also commended the 50MW Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, which has restored electricity to the city after years of disruption caused by insurgent attacks on transmission infrastructure.
“With this plant now operational, we are seeing the power sector directly contributing to stability and economic recovery in Borno State,” he said. “This is the kind of impact that results from collaboration between the federal and state governments.”
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who accompanied the Minister during the inspection, highlighted that reliable power supply has become a foundation for the state’s rebuilding efforts.
“Energy drives development,” Zulum said. “The 50MW emergency power plant and the university’s solar hybrid project are central to our vision of rebuilding Borno with sustainability in mind. We are now able to power schools, hospitals, and businesses that had relied on generators for years.”
He added that improved fiscal discipline and support from the federal government have enabled the state to deliver critical infrastructure, including 104 mega schools, the Borno Express Terminus Flyover, and expanded access to electricity in rural areas.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has translated into renewed capacity for us to deliver,” Zulum affirmed. “We are seeing reforms that empower states to act and make visible progress.”
