The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has pledged to resume oil exploration activities in Borno State following a meeting with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri.
Key Highlights
- NNPCL pledges to fast-track resumption of oil exploration in the Borno Basin.
- Zulum faults slow work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, with materials on site for about two years.
- NNPCL Board Chairman Ahmadu Kida promises to resolve the bottlenecks delaying the power plant.
The company also assured the state government that it would address the challenges delaying the upgrade of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a project expected to improve electricity supply in the state capital and surrounding communities.
The commitments were made on Wednesday, when Governor Zulum received a delegation of the NNPCL management, led by the Chairman of the Board, Ahmadu Kida, to discuss energy development and the resumption of oil exploration in the state.
Zulum Highlights Borno’s Potential
Speaking during the meeting, Zulum highlighted Borno’s commercial potential and strategic location, noting that the state shares borders with three countries.
He expressed optimism that renewed exploration activities in the Borno Basin would unlock the state’s hydrocarbon resources, attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
The governor said the resumption of exploration would provide opportunities to expand economic activities and support the state’s development aspirations.
Delay On Maiduguri Power Plant
However, Zulum expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, noting that the project had remained incomplete despite the necessary materials being available on site for about two years.
He urged the NNPCL management to intervene urgently and resolve the bottlenecks preventing the completion of the upgrade.
According to the governor, the power plant is critical to improving electricity supply and supporting the socio-economic well-being of residents of Maiduguri and neighbouring communities.
He stressed the need for the company to prioritise the project and ensure its timely completion to address electricity challenges affecting households, businesses and other economic activities.
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NNPCL Responds
Responding, Kida assured the governor that the company was prepared to fast-track the resumption of oil exploration in the Borno Basin.
He also pledged that the NNPCL would work towards resolving the issues delaying the completion of the emergency power plant upgrade.
The NNPCL chairman commended Zulum for his continued support and for creating an enabling environment for investment and energy development in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
The NNPCL delegation included the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udy Ntia, and the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, among other senior officials.
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