NNPC reaffirms commitment to oil exploration in Borno

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed its commitment to oil exploration in Borno, pledging to work with the state government and local communities to advance its activities.

The company gave the assurance when its Board of Directors, led by Non-Executive Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida, paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.

“In NNPC, we believe that we are holding in trust for the Nigerian public. In our board meetings, when the executive management describes our visions, we always say that the ultimate stakeholders of what we do in NNPC are the 200 million Nigerians.

“Our strategy is ensure that NNPC’s growth benefits all regions of Nigeria, not just the traditional oil-producing Niger Delta.

“Unlocking Borno’s Hydrocarbon Potential Borno State sits atop significant hydrocarbon reserves in the Chad Basin, but exploration activities have been hampered for years. The NNPC delegation came prepared to change that narrative,” Nida stated.

The meeting also featured discussions on the company’s proposed projects in the state, including a solar power initiative.

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Zulum assured the company of the state government’s support, saying adequate security measures were in place to protect exploration activities.

He said the suspension of exploration was not caused by insecurity, adding that at least 300 soldiers had been deployed to protect the sites and equipment, alongside personnel of the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Civilian Joint Task Force.

The governor said the state government remained committed to working with NNPC but urged the company to honour its initial agreement to supply gas for the operations.

According to him, the gas supply was later discontinued, leading to the suspension of exploration work.

Zulum also expressed concern that equipment had remained at the exploration sites for more than two years, saying its upgrade would help facilitate the continuation of operations.

He welcomed the proposed solar power project, noting that additional solar plants could help ease the burden of rising fuel prices on residents.

The governor also commended Kida for facilitating the donation of chairs, school desks and other equipment to schools in Borno State.

Other members of the delegation included NNPC Ltd Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun; Group Chief Operating Officer, Rowland Ewubare; and Executive Vice Presidents Olalekan Ogunleye, Udy Ntia, Mumuni Dangazau and Sophia Mbakwe.