NNPCL to resume exploration in Borno as Zulum meets top management in Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has secured a commitment from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to resume oil exploration activities in the state.
Zulum also expressed concern over delays in the upgrade of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, urging the company to expedite work on the project.
The commitment was made on Wednesday when the governor received a delegation of NNPCL top management, led by the Chairman of the Board, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri to discuss energy development and the resumption of oil exploration in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, Zulum emphasised the strategic importance of resuming exploration in Borno, noting that the state had enormous commercial potential and shared borders with three countries.
He expressed optimism that renewed exploration efforts by the national oil company would unlock the state’s hydrocarbon potential and boost economic development.
The governor, however, expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project designed to improve electricity supply in the state.
He noted that despite the availability of all necessary materials at the project site for about two years, the upgrade remained incomplete.
Zulum urged the NNPCL management to intervene and ensure the timely completion of the project, stressing that the plant was vital to the socio-economic well-being of residents of Maiduguri and its environs.
Responding, the leader of the delegation assured the governor of the company’s readiness to fast-track the resumption of exploration in the Borno Basin and address the challenges delaying the completion of the emergency power plant.
He commended Zulum for his continued support and for creating a conducive environment for investment in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
Members of the NNPCL delegation included Mr. Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream; Mr. Olalekon Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy; among others.
