NNPC discovers oil in Nasarawa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced the discovery of oil in Nasarawa State, saying it will spud the first oil well in March, 2023.

It said the discovery was in continuation of its oil exploration activities in the country’s inland basins.

NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced the discovery and the planned spud-in when the Governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule, led a delegation of prominent indigenes on a courtesy visit to Company’s offices in Abuja.

Mallam Kyari, in a statement issued in Abuja by the corporation’s spokesperson, Garba-Deen Mohammad, said the results of exploratory activities confirmed the presence of substantial hydrocarbon resources in the state.

He called for “prompt action” on the project as the global energy transition had led to a reduction in investment in fossil fuels.

“This work must be done very fast because the whole world is walking away from fossil fuel due to energy transition, the earlier you go to market, the better for you,” Mallam Kyari stated.

He added: “Otherwise, 10 years from now, no one will agree to put money in the petroleum business except it comes from your cash flow.”

He said community support and a conducive environment were key to a successful operation in the area, in order to avoid the experience of the Niger Delta.

In his response, Governor Sule of Nasarawa State congratulated the NNPC boss on the successful commencement of oil production and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, which was inaugurated in November last year by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also applauded the President for his support and assured NNPC of a “conducive environment”.