The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has pledged to accelerate the resumption of oil exploration in Borno State and address delays in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.
An NNPCL delegation led by its board chairman, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri made the ledge while visiting Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum to discuss energy development, renewed exploration in the Borno Basin and the stalled upgrade of the emergency power facility.
Zulum emphasized the importance of restarting exploration in the basin, highlighting the state’s significant commercial potential and its strategic location bordering three countries.
He expressed hope that renewed efforts by the national oil company would unlock Borno’s hydrocarbon resources and drive economic growth.
The governor, however, raised concerns over delays in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, describing the facility as vital to improving electricity supply across the state.
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He said materials needed for the upgrade had been at the site for about two years, but the project remained unfinished.
Zulum called on the NNPCL management to intervene and resolve the challenges holding up the project, stressing that completing the upgrade would improve the socio-economic well-being of residents in Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
In his response, Kida assured the governor that the company would fast-track the resumption of oil exploration in the Borno Basin and work to resolve the issues delaying the power plant upgrade.
He also praised Zulum for his continued support and efforts to create a favorable 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 government officials.
Other 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.
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