Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, North Central Nigeria, has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to explore all avenues at its disposal to ensure the exploration of the oil potentials of the Bida Basin in the State.
Governor Sani Bello said this when he paid courtesy visit to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, Mele Kyari in Abuja.
He appreciated the NNPC for the work carried out in the Bida Basin Frontier in the past, adding that the Company should commence work since crude oil is beinf discovered in most northern parts of the country.
“I know the work you have done in Bida Basin, we have discussed in the past I know you are making all efforts to explore the potentials in Bida Basin,” he said.
The Governor in a statement by Mary Noel Berje his Spokesperson, commended the NNPC for the activities they have been carrying out, especially in the area of infrastructure.
“The NNPC has played an important role in the development of the Ibrahim Babangida Badamasi University, Lapai, and also the construction of a hospital in Minna the State Capital,” added Gov Sani Bello.
The NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mallam Mele Kyari, noted that Niger State occupies an important position, pointing out that aside housing two of its strategic depots, most of the company’s pipelines passed through the state.
Kyari added that the possibility of finding crude oil in the state was positive, saying they will explore, using the best technology.
“We are re-validating the data, conducting some other ecological application that will help us in making sure we get oil in Niger State.
“But take it from the geological setting, we believed very strongly that there is the prospect of oil in Niger State”, he said.
The NNPC boss said that all they were doing for the state is an obligation as the company belongs to Nigerians.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello was accompanied by the Chairman, Niger State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Etsu Nupe, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, Estu Agaie, Alh. Yusuf Nuhu,Members of the National Assembly among whom is the State APC Gubernatorial candidate Umaru Mohammed Bago, and some some members of the state executive council.
