Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to use all avenues at its disposal to expedite the exploration of oil in the Bida Basin.
Bello who made the appeal during a visit to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, Mele Kyari in Abuja commended past efforts by NNPC in the Bida Basin Frontier.
He reasoned that since crude oil deposits have been discovered in most northern parts of the country, the company should expedite action in the exploration.
The governor stated:” I know the work you have done in Bida Basin, we have discussed in the past. I know you are making all efforts to explore the potential in Bida Basin.”
He also commended the NNPC for the activities being executed in Niger State, especially in the areas of roads, education and other infrastructure.
“The NNPC has played an important role in the development of the Ibrahim Babangida Badamasi University, IBBU, Lapai, and also the construction of a hospital in Minna. And, considering the investment the NNPC is making at IBBU, the name of Mele Kyari would never be forgotten in the state-owned university,” he said.
Kyari, in his response, said the possibility of finding crude oil in the state is positive, affirming that the company will search for oil using the best technology.
“We are re-validating the data, conducting some other ecological application that will help us in making sure we get oil in Niger State. From the geological setting, we believe very strongly that there is the prospect of oil in Niger State,” he said.
He also added that all the NNPCL is doing for the state is an obligation as the company belongs to all Nigerians.
Dignitaries that accompanied Governor Bello include the Chairman, Niger State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Etsu Nupe, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Agaie, Alh. Yusuf Nuhu, Members of the National Assembly among whom is the State APC gubernatorial candidate, Umaru Mohammed Bago, members of the state executive council among others.