Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has secured a commitment from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to resume oil exploration activities in the state.
The commitment followed a meeting in Maiduguri between Governor Zulum and a delegation of NNPCL senior management officials led by the Chairman of its Board, Ahmadu Kida. Discussions centred on energy development and plans to resume exploration activities in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, the governor emphasised the strategic importance of resuming oil exploration in Borno, noting that the state has significant commercial potential and shares borders with three countries.
He expressed optimism that the renewed commitment by the national oil company would unlock Borno’s vast hydrocarbon potential, attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
READ ALSO: Governor Calls for Renewed Oil Exploration in Borno
Governor Zulum also expressed concern over delays in the completion of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project intended to improve electricity supply in the state.
He lamented that, despite the necessary materials having been available on site for about two years, the plant’s upgrade remained incomplete.
The governor urged NNPCL management to intervene and ensure the timely completion of the project, stressing that the power plant was vital to the socio-economic well-being of residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
In his response, the head of the delegation assured the governor of the company’s readiness to expedite plans to resume exploration in the Borno Basin and address the challenges delaying the completion of the emergency power plant.
He commended Governor 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; the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
