The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited intends to begin drilling for oil in Nasarawa State in March 2023 as part of its ongoing efforts to explore for oil in the nation’s interior basins.
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 urged swift action on the project as investments in fossil fuels have decreased as a result of the world’s energy transition.
A statement by the NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garba Deen Muhammad quoted Kyari as saying that: “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”.
It further added that Kyari said that community support and a conducive environment are key to a successful operation in the area in order 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 was quoted in the statement to have said while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and assuring the NNPC of a conducive environment.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); the first executive governor of the state, Dr. Abdullahi Adamu; his predecessor, Senator Tanko Almakura; Minister of Environment, Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi; Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad.
