KEY POINTS
- NNPC says it remains committed to oil exploration in Borno’s Lake Chad Basin.
- Zulum says security forces are deployed but urges NNPC to restore the agreed gas supply.
- The meeting also discussed a proposed solar power project to ease residents’ energy costs.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, has reaffirmed its commitment to resuming oil exploration in Borno State’s Lake Chad Basin, promising to work with the state government and local communities to advance the project.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Olujari gave the assurance on Wednesday, October 28, during a meeting between the company’s board of directors and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The delegation was led by NNPC Non-Executive Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida. Discussions focused on proposed oil exploration activities in the basin, which covers seven local government areas, as well as a planned solar power initiative.
Borno government promises security support
Zulum assured NNPC that the state government would support the resumption of exploration, adding that security arrangements were in place to protect workers, equipment and project sites.
He said the suspension of exploration activities was not caused by insecurity. According to the governor, at least 300 soldiers had been deployed to protect the sites and equipment, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The governor said his administration remained committed to working with NNPC to ensure the project progresses.
The assurance comes as the company considers restarting work in the basin following an extended suspension that has left equipment at the exploration sites for more than two years.
Gas supply dispute delayed exploration
Zulum urged NNPC to honour its earlier agreement to supply gas for the exploration operations, saying the discontinuation of the supply led to the suspension of work.
He expressed concern that equipment had remained idle at the sites for more than two years and called for the necessary upgrades to enable operations to resume.
The governor’s comments point to gas supply and equipment readiness as key issues that must be addressed before the exploration project can move forward.
Although NNPC has renewed its commitment to the project, the report did not provide a specific date for the resumption of exploration activities.
Solar power project also discussed
The meeting also covered a proposed solar power initiative for the Lake Chad Basin.
Zulum welcomed the plan, saying additional solar power plants could help reduce the pressure of rising fuel costs on residents and improve access to electricity.
The proposed initiative would complement the discussions on oil exploration and broaden the potential energy benefits for communities in the area.
The governor also commended Kida for facilitating donations of chairs, school desks and other equipment to schools across Borno State.
NNPC delegation meets Borno officials
Other members of the NNPC delegation included Chief Financial Officer Adedapo Segun; Group Chief Operating Officer Rowland Ewubare; and Executive Vice Presidents Olalekan Ogunleye, Udy Ntia, Mumuni Dangazau and Sophia Mbakwe.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to working together on the proposed projects. However, the resumption of oil exploration will depend on addressing outstanding operational issues, including the gas supply arrangement and the condition of equipment already deployed to the sites.
