Abdul Lawal

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday expressed optimism that the discovery , drilling and production of crude oil in Nasarawa State ,North Central Nigeria will lead to greater prosperity for Nigerians, and enhance overall energy security for the country and beyond

The President in a virtual message on the ocassion said the surrounding communities would particularly benefit from the value created by the exploration and eventual production activities.

The President directed Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Limited ( NNPCL)and its partners to be mindful of the environmental consequences of the oil exploration activities and to mitigate the negative effects.

The President recalled that the official commencement of drilling activities in the Middle Benue Trough was in line with ongoing campaigns for the exploration of crude oil and gas in the Nation’s Frontier Basins.

He listed the Chad Basin, Dahomey Basin, Anambra Platform, the Calabar Embankment, Sokoto Basin, Bida Basin, Benue Trough, as well as the Ultra-Deepwater Niger Delta as areas, where NNPC is extending crude oil exploration.

‘‘This is consistent with the commercial discoveries of hydrocarbons in the Kolmani Area of the Upper Benue Trough.

‘‘I am pleased to note that activities are currently ongoing to develop the Kolmani petroleum discoveries to commercial production to add to the nation’s considerable hydro-carbon assets.

‘‘I am encouraged by the enormous work done by NNPC Limited to exploit the prospects in the Middle Benue Trough, leading to the event of today”.

‘‘I congratulate NNPC Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other partners for their immense contributions towards making this day and this event possible,’’ he said, directing Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Group CEO, NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari to spud on his behalf.