By: Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Wednesday assured the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of adequate security as the company prepares to resume oil exploration activities in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Wadi-B oil exploration project, situated in Tuba community, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, was officially flagged off on May 23, 2023, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, but exploration activities were subsequently halted
Zulum gave the security assurance during a meeting with top officials of the NNPCL, led by the Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, where discussions focused on plans to remobilise and resume exploration activities amongst other issues.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and creating a conducive environment for the successful resumption of the project.
Prof Zulum argued that security concerns was not the reason why the project was suspended in the first instance pointing out that the state government alongside relevant security agencies were on top of their game to ensure safety in and around project site
” At no time did the government and the people of Borno State withdrew security support from the oil exploration site .The state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies ensured adequate security in the area and threre was no reported security issue.
” I’m happy to note that the Managing Director of NNPCL – Energy Services was with us some few months ago where a letter was written to the government of Borno State for the resumption of work in this particular site . I want to assure you that Borno State Government will partner with NNPCL to see how this exercise will be done hitch free throughout the duration of work.” Zulum said .
Governor Zulum also expressed displeasure over attempts by NNPCL officials to relocate some of the oil exploration equipment under the guise of keeping them safe. He maintained that Borno State was safer than many of the locations to which the equipment was to be moved, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The NNPCL Board Chairman, Kida, commended the Borno State Government for its numerous people-oriented projects across the state, noting that his visit was aimed at advancing discussions on the company’s projects in Borno and exploring ways to facilitate the resumption of oil exploration in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to the Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream, of NNPCL Udy Ntia said the Company is Borno to expand Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resource base and strengthen the nation’s energy security.
” The strategic importance of being here is that we want to be successful in executing this phase of the work and to provide valuable subsurface data to inform future exploration work .
” We have started work here (Oli Exploratio) and we want to continue work here as we need the continued support of the state government.” Mr Nita said .
The EVP therefore urged the state governor to sustain his administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of NNPCL personnel working at the oil exploration site, noting that a safe and secure environment is critical to the successful resumption of exploration activities in the state.
