By Abdullahi Alhassan
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has pledged to fast-track the resumption of oil exploration activities in Borno State, raising hopes for the development of the state’s untapped hydrocarbon resources and increased economic opportunities.
The commitment followed a meeting between Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and a high-level NNPCL delegation led by the Chairman of the Board, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on the resumption of oil exploration in the Borno Basin, energy development and the need to accelerate the completion of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant upgrade.
Governor Zulum, while receiving the delegation, underscored the strategic importance of oil exploration to Borno’s economic future, pointing to the state’s considerable commercial potential and its strategic location bordering three countries.
He expressed optimism that renewed exploration efforts would help unlock the state’s hydrocarbon resources, attract investment, create employment opportunities and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
The governor’s intervention comes amid growing expectations that the development of the Borno Basin could open new economic frontiers for the state and strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector.
Zulum Raises Concern Over Delayed Power Plant Upgrade
Beyond oil exploration, Governor Zulum expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay in upgrading the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, describing the facility as critical to improving electricity supply for residents of the state capital and surrounding communities.
He lamented that despite the necessary materials reportedly being available at the project site for about two years, the upgrade remained unfinished.
The governor urged the NNPCL management to intervene urgently, remove the obstacles delaying the project and ensure its timely completion.
He stressed that a functional emergency power facility would significantly support economic activities, improve living conditions and enhance the overall socio-economic well-being of residents.
Zulum’s appeal highlighted the need for greater coordination and accountability in the delivery of critical energy infrastructure, particularly projects with direct implications for the welfare of citizens and the growth of local businesses.
NNPCL Assures Governor of Renewed Commitment
Responding, Kida assured the governor of the national oil company’s readiness to accelerate plans for the resumption of exploration activities in the Borno Basin.
He also pledged that the company would work towards resolving the bottlenecks hindering the completion of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant upgrade.
The NNPCL chairman commended Zulum for his sustained support and efforts to create an enabling environment for investment, noting the importance of cooperation between the company and the state government in advancing energy development.
The assurances are expected to strengthen collaboration between the two parties in pursuing the state’s oil exploration prospects while addressing pressing electricity infrastructure needs.
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.
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 other senior officials.
The renewed commitment to oil exploration and the proposed intervention on the emergency power plant represent two significant areas of engagement between the Borno State Government and NNPCL, with potential implications for energy access, investment and economic development across the state.
