The Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC Limited is set to spud the first oil well in Nasarawa state, North central Nigeria in March 2023.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed this when the Governor of the State Engr. Abdullahi Sule led a delegation of prominent indigenes of the state on a courtesy visit to the NNPC Ltd in Abuja and said that the results of exploratory activities confirm the presence of substantial hydrocarbon resources in the state.
He called for prompt action on the project as the global energy transition has led to a reduction in investment in fossil fuels.
“This work must be done very fast because the whole world is walking away from fossil fuel due to energy transition, the earlier you go to market, the better for you, otherwise, ten years from now, no one will agree to put money in petroleum business except it comes from your cash flow’’ Mallam Kyari said.
He added that community support and a conducive environment are key to a successful operation in the area to avoid the experience of the Niger Delta.
In his response, Governor Sule congratulated the GCEO on the successful commencement of oil production and the Kolmani Integrated development project which was launched in November 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, which he described as similar to what obtains in Saudi Arabia.
“I want to congratulate you, the management of NNPC and the federal government for what you have done at Kolmani, for those who don’t know what you have done for Nigeria, you have written your name in gold’’ governor Sule stated.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support while assuring the NNPC of a conducive environment. The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress and first executive governor of the State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, his predecessor, Senator Tanko Almakura, Minister of Environment, Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, and other dignitaries.
Dominica Nwabufo
