The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has committed to resuming oil exploration in Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has said, as he called on the company to accelerate the delayed upgrade of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.
Zulum disclosed this on Wednesday when he received a delegation of the NNPCL management, led by its board chairman, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri to discuss energy development and the resumption of exploration activities in the state.
The governor said renewed exploration in the Borno Basin could unlock the state’s hydrocarbon potential, attract investment and stimulate economic development.
He also highlighted Borno’s strategic location, noting that the state shares borders with three countries and has considerable commercial potential.
Zulum expressed optimism that the renewed commitment by the national oil company would support the state’s economic growth and expand opportunities in the energy sector.
However, the governor raised concerns over delays in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, describing the facility as critical to improving electricity supply in the state capital and surrounding communities.
He said the project remained incomplete despite the necessary materials having been available at the site for about two years.
Zulum urged the NNPCL management to intervene and address the obstacles delaying the project, stressing that completing the upgrade was important to the socio-economic well-being of residents.
In response, Kida assured the governor of the company’s readiness to fast-track the resumption of exploration in the Borno Basin and address the challenges affecting the power plant project.
He also commended the governor for his continued support and efforts to create a conducive environment for investment in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior state government officials.
Members of the NNPCL delegation included the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr Udy Ntia, and the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekon Ogunleye, among others.
West Trybe reports that the proposed resumption of oil exploration could mark a significant development for Borno’s energy sector, while the governor’s concerns over the emergency power plant highlight the need to complete infrastructure projects intended to improve electricity supply and support economic activity.
