Zulum secures NNPCL commitment to resume oil exploration in Borno

Business, News

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has secured a commitment from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to resume oil exploration activities in the state, while expressing concern over delays in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.

The commitment was made on Wednesday when Zulum received a delegation of NNPCL management officials, led by the chairman of the board, Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri to discuss energy development and the resumption of exploration in the state.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum emphasised the strategic importance of resuming exploration in Borno, noting that the state had significant commercial potential and shared borders with three countries.

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He expressed optimism that renewed exploration efforts by the national oil company would help unlock the state’s hydrocarbon resources and stimulate economic development.

However, the governor raised concerns over the slow pace of work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project expected to improve electricity supply in the state.

Zulum said he was concerned that the upgrade remained incomplete despite the necessary materials having been on site for about two years.

He urged the NNPCL management to intervene and ensure the project was completed without further delay, stressing that the plant was vital to the socioeconomic well-being of residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities.

In response, Kida assured the governor of the company’s readiness to accelerate efforts to resume oil exploration in the Borno Basin and address the challenges delaying completion of the emergency power plant.

He also commended Zulum for his continued support and for creating an environment conducive to investment in the state.

The meeting was attended by 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 Executive Vice-President for Upstream, Udy Ntia, and Executive Vice-President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekon Ogunleye, among others.

The engagement comes as the Borno State Government seeks to advance energy development, improve electricity supply and attract investment through the resumption of oil exploration activities.