North-east governors have asked President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the resumption of oil exploration activities in the frontier wells of Kolmani and the Lake Chad basin.
In November 2022, the late President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off the Kolmani Integrated Development Project (KIPRO) situated on the boundary of Bauchi and Gombe states.
Buhari also flagged off the spud-in of the Ebenyi-A exploration well located in Obi local government area (LGA) in Nasarawa.
In May 2023, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited resumed an oil drilling campaign at the Wadi-B well in Jere LGA of Borno.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues during a visit to the president in Aso Rock on Wednesday, Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, said reviving oil exploration is crucial for boosting the region’s economy and improving security.
“Resuming exploration activities would complement military operations and accelerate development in the sub-region,” he said.
Zulum commended Tinubu for sustaining the fight against insurgency and implementing measures to alleviate the impacts of flooding, desertification, and other environmental challenges.
The governor said the region had “suffered so much environmental and developmental setbacks arising from long period of neglect and abandonment”.
He added that the governors hold the president in high esteem and “are committed to partnering with him in his determination to provide good governance for Nigeria, with the goal of leaving lasting legacies and landmarks for the country”.
On May 12, Bayo Ojulari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the NNPC, said the company will continue to drill oil in the north.
