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, even as he raised concerns over the delayed upgrade of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.
The commitment was made known when the Governor received NNPCL top management in Maiduguri, led by the Chairman of the board, Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, to discuss energy development and the resumption of exploration activities in the state.
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Speaking during the meeting, the Governor emphasised the strategic importance of resuming exploration in Borno, noting that the state has enormous commercial potential and borders three countries. He expressed optimism that the renewed drive by the national oil company would unlock the state’s vast hydrocarbon potential and boost economic development.
However, Governor Zulum also used the occasion to express concern over the slow pace of work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project designed to improve electricity supply in the state. He noted with dismay that despite having all necessary materials on site for about two years, the plant upgrade remains incomplete.
Governor Zulum urged NNPCL management to intervene and ensure the project is completed on time, stressing that the plant is vital to the socio-economic well-being of the people of Maiduguri and its environs.
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In his response, the leader of the delegation assured the Governor of the company’s readiness to fast-track the resumption of exploration in the Borno Basin and to address the bottlenecks hindering 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; Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; and some senior government officials, while the NNPCL delegation included Mr Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr Olalekon Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, among others.
