Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has received assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding the resumption of oil exploration activities in the state, while calling for urgent action to complete the delayed upgrade of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.
The assurance was given on Wednesday during a meeting between Governor Zulum and a high-level NNPCL delegation led by the Chairman of the Board, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri. Discussions centred on energy development, oil exploration and critical infrastructure projects in Borno State.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Zulum underscored the strategic significance of restarting oil exploration in the state, highlighting Borno’s considerable commercial potential and its strategic location, sharing borders with three countries.
He expressed optimism that renewed exploration efforts in the Borno Basin would unlock the state’s hydrocarbon resources, attract investment, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
The Governor, however, expressed concern over the prolonged delay in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, which is expected to strengthen electricity supply to Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
According to him, the necessary materials for the project have been available at the site for approximately two years, yet the upgrade remains unfinished. He therefore appealed to NNPCL’s management to address the challenges delaying the project and ensure its timely completion.
Governor Zulum stressed that improved electricity supply is essential to economic activities, public services and the overall well-being of residents of Maiduguri and its environs.
Responding, the leader of the NNPCL delegation assured the Governor of the company’s commitment to accelerating efforts towards resuming oil exploration in the Borno Basin. He also pledged to address the obstacles affecting the completion of the emergency power plant upgrade.
The delegation commended Governor Zulum for his continued support and efforts to create an enabling environment for investment and energy-sector development in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
Members of the NNPCL delegation included Mr. Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, and Mr. Olalekon Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, among other top officials.
The proposed resumption of oil exploration and the completion of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant upgrade are expected to be significant developments for Borno State, with the potential to expand economic opportunities and improve access to electricity.
