BREAKING: NNPC To Begin A Deeper Search For Oil And Gas In Benue

Eniola Olayemi

President Buhari has announced in Benue State that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) will soon commence drilling for a deeper search for oil and gas in the Benue trough.

The presidency disclosed this on Wednesday via a tweet.

Presidency Nigeria

✔@NGRPresident

President @MBuhari today in Benue announced that @NNPCgroup will soon commence drilling for a deeper search for oil and gas in the Benue Trough.
This, he said, is the next step following the commencement of drilling in the Kolmani River area, located within Bauchi & Gombe States.

According to media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari, who made the announcement Wednesday while addressing traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, Benue State, recalled that as Minister of Petroleum in the 70s, he had seen “very interesting seismic surveys that promised oil and gas from the Chad Basin through the Benue Trough down to the Delta region.

He said for mostly commercial reasons, investment was directed to the Niger Delta given the promise of quicker results.
He narrated past efforts by him as Military Head of State to diversify the country’s sources of oil to strengthen its unity, promising that his administration will intensify efforts in this direction.

Buhari welcomed the observation by the Tor Tiv, HRM, Prof. James Ayatse, that peace had been restored to Benue State following the spike, sometimes back in farmers and herders’ clashes as well as the fact the President had so far conducted a decent and a peaceful campaign.

He also promised to look at requests for more roads, bridges and tertiary institutions made by the royal father. Wednesday in preparation for the 2019 presidential election.