NNPC begins oil drilling in Nasarawa by March–Kyari

Tamarauemi Ebimini

In continuation of its oil exploration activities in the country’s inland basins, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is set to spud the first oil well in Nasarawa State in March 2023.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mallam Mele Kyari, who disclosed this when the Governor of the State,Engr. Abdullahi Sule led a delegation of prominent indigenes of the state on a courtesy visit to the NNPC Ltd. in Abuja, and said that the results of exploratory activities confirm the presence of substantial hydrocarbon resources in the state.

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

In a signed statement by the NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garba Deen Muhammad, made available to The Nation, Kyari was quoted as saying that: “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, otherwise, ten years from now, no one will agree to put money in petroleum business except it comes from your cash flow.”

It further added that Kyari said that community support and a conducive environment is key to a successful operation in the area in order to avoid the experience of the Niger Delta.

In his response, Governor Sule congratulated the GCEO on the successful commencement of oil production and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project which was launched in November 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, which he described as similar to what obtains in Saudi Arabia.