Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has urged the Federal Government to resume oil exploration activities in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of the state as part of efforts to accelerate economic recovery in the North-East.
Key Highlights
- Zulum urged the Federal Government to revive oil exploration in Magumeri and Gubio.
- The governor linked renewed exploration to job creation, infrastructure development and economic recovery.
- He called for the expansion of oil exploration efforts from the Kolmani field to the Lake Chad Basin.
- The North-East Governors’ Forum also discussed regional security, education, health and economic cooperation.
- Governors from the region are seeking greater economic opportunities as communities recover from years of conflict.
Zulum made the call on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during the 13th regular meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The Borno governor, who chairs the forum, said renewed exploration in the state could complement ongoing reconstruction efforts and create new economic opportunities for communities affected by years of insecurity.
He also called for the momentum around the Kolmani oil project in Bauchi State to be extended to the Lake Chad Basin and other prospective areas in Borno.
Zulum expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s efforts in the North-East, particularly moves to revive exploration activities around the Kolmani oil field.
“The revival of this important project represents more than an investment in the oil and gas sector. It offers an opportunity to unlock new economic possibilities, create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and broaden the revenue base of our states and communities,” Zulum said.
He urged the Federal Government to take similar steps in Borno State.
“In the same spirit, we respectfully urge the Federal Government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State,” he said.
According to Zulum, responsible exploration and development of the state’s natural resources could support reconstruction, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the growing population.
He also argued that renewed economic activity could complement security operations and support wider development across the North-East.
Read also:
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- Zulum leads North East Governors to Tinubu, seeks completion of 17 roads, resumption of oil exploration
- Troops drive Boko Haram out of Magumeri in Borno, restore peace
- North-East Governors Seek Renewed Federal Action on Infrastructure, Energy and Security
Oil Exploration In Borno’s Chad Basin
Oil exploration in the Chad Basin, which covers parts of Borno State, dates back several decades.
Exploration activities identified prospective areas, including the Gubio sub-basin, while some wells reportedly recorded indications of hydrocarbons.
However, exploration activities were disrupted by insecurity, including the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected economic activity and access to several parts of the region for more than a decade.
Attempts to resume exploration have faced additional security, logistical and technical challenges.
The Kolmani oil field, located in the Benue Trough and involving areas of Bauchi State, has also attracted attention as Nigeria seeks to expand exploration beyond its traditional oil-producing areas.
Federal authorities have expressed renewed interest in developing the project after reported delays in activities at the field.
North-East Governors Discuss Regional Development
The two-day meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum began on October 2 and focused on regional development, security, economic cooperation, education and healthcare.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya highlighted some initiatives of the forum, including the establishment of a North-East Education Council and collaborative efforts to address healthcare challenges and the problem of out-of-school children.
The forum also considered the experience of Borno’s Tsangaya Commission as part of regional efforts to improve access to education.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya attended the meeting in person, while the governors of Bauchi and Yobe states were represented by their deputies.
Economic Recovery
The push for oil exploration comes as the North-East continues efforts to recover from years of conflict, displacement and economic disruption.
Supporters of renewed frontier exploration argue that successful development of oil and gas resources could create jobs, improve infrastructure and expand government revenues.
However, exploration in frontier areas also faces challenges, including security concerns, inadequate infrastructure and the technical and financial demands associated with developing new oil and gas fields.
Zulum’s call places the development of Borno’s natural resources within the wider North-East economic recovery agenda.
The response of the Federal Government to the proposed resumption of exploration in Magumeri and Gubio is expected to determine the next phase of activities in the areas.
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