BY: MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 30, 2025/ 09:48AM

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to see electricity not as a commodity for profit, but as a vital tool for advancing children’s dreams, improving healthcare, and supporting education in vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the 6th National Council on Power (NACOP) summit held on Thursday in Maiduguri, the governor made the appeal to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to focus energy policies on the needs of the most disadvantaged Nigerians.

'Electricity is not just about wires and transformers—it’s about dignity, economic opportunity, health, education, and the right of every child to dream,' Zulum said.

'We must view energy not just as a commodity but as a social service.'

He acknowledged the importance of economic sustainability in the power sector but urged for targeted government subsidies that shield low-income families, especially in conflict-affected regions, from being left in the dark.

The governor’s remarks placed particular emphasis on how electricity access directly impacts public health and education—two sectors still recovering from years of insurgency in Borno State.

He noted that stable electricity enables life-saving medical equipment to function in rural clinics, keeps vaccines stored properly, and extends learning hours for students by powering schools and homes.

'Every time a child studies under candlelight, or a rural health center turns patients away due to power outages, we lose opportunities to lift people out of poverty,' Zulum stressed. The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and federal agencies—including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)—for ongoing interventions that have restored and strengthened power infrastructure in Borno.

Key projects mentioned include:

A 7.5MVA substation at the University of Maiduguri

A new substation at the College of Agriculture, Damboa

A newly completed 1x32.5MVA transmission station in Bama

Rehabilitation of 132/33kV substations and the 33kV line to Maiduguri

Installation of multiple transformers and procurement of over ₦1.5 billion in electrical components

'We have also introduced solar-diesel hybrid solutions to support hospitals, schools, and IDP camps,' Zulum added.

'This is not just about electricity—it’s about saving lives and rebuilding futures.'

He also announced that Borno is actively aligning with national power reforms by investing in off-grid energy projects, stabilising transmission lines, and providing logistical and security support for federal energy initiatives. 'Despite our security and infrastructural challenges, we are making significant progress,' he said.

'From electrifying Damboa and Gwoza to connecting far-flung communities like Marte and Kukawa, we are ensuring no child, teacher, or doctor is left without power.'

In response, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu praised Governor Zulum’s leadership and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive power development.

'Your Excellency, your words remind us of why we serve,' he said.

'We appreciate the warmth and resilience of the Borno people in hosting this important summit.'