Gov. Zulum Secures NNPCL Commitment to Resume Oil Exploration in Borno

MAIDUGURI - Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has secured a commitment from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to resume oil exploration activities in the state, even as he raised concerns over the delayed upgrade of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant.

By Abdullahi Alhassan










































The commitment was made known when Governor Zulum received the top management of NNPC Ltd. in Maiduguri, led by the Chairman of the Board, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, to discuss energy development and the resumption of exploration activities in the state.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Zulum emphasised the strategic importance of resuming exploration in Borno, noting that the state has enormous commercial potential and borders three countries. He expressed optimism that the renewed drive by the national oil company would unlock the state’s vast hydrocarbon potential and boost economic development.

However, Governor Zulum also used the occasion to express concern over the slow pace of work on the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project designed to improve electricity supply in the state. He noted with dismay that despite having all necessary materials on site for about two years, the plant upgrade remains incomplete.

Governor Zulum urged the NNPC Ltd. management to intervene and ensure the project is completed on time, stressing that the plant is vital to the socio economic well-being of the people of Maiduguri and its environs.

In his response, the leader of the delegation, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, assured the Governor of the company’s readiness to fast-track the resumption of exploration in the Borno Basin and to address the bottlenecks hindering the completion of the emergency power plant.


He said: “NNPC Ltd. is fully committed to resuming exploration activities in the Borno Basin and will work closely with the Borno State Government to ensure the successful completion of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant project." He commended Governor Zulum for his continued support and for creating a conducive environment for investment in the state.


The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe; and some senior government officials.


The NNPC Ltd. delegation included Mr. Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream; Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, among others.