The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the resumption of oil exploration activities in Borno State, with Board Chairman Alhaji Ahmadu Musa Kida emphasizing a strategic drive to unlock the North-East region’s hydrocarbon potential and strengthen national energy security.
This renewed momentum was solidified during a high-level stakeholder meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri, where Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, received the top-management NNPCL delegation led by Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida.
Addressing stakeholders during the engagement, Musa Kida reiterated that NNPCL’s operations and strategic decisions are firmly anchored on serving the interests of Nigerians. He stressed that the welfare of the country’s estimated 200 million citizens remains central to the national oil company’s core mandate, underscoring the critical role of robust stakeholder collaboration in achieving sustainable economic and developmental milestones.
The NNPCL delegation also featured key insights from Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udy Ntia, who noted that renewed operations in the Borno Basin will significantly expand the nation’s hydrocarbon resource base, alongside Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, who emphasized the importance of integrating gas and power infrastructure into regional development.
In his response, Governor Zulum lauded the initiative spearheaded by Musa Kida, describing the proposed resumption of oil exploration as a vital catalyst for economic growth, foreign investment, and Borno’s emergence as a key contributor to Nigeria’s energy sector.
Demonstrating strong state-level backing, Governor Zulum assured the NNPCL leadership of adequate security for all personnel, facilities, and operational equipment, clarifying that past suspensions were not driven by active security breaches in the designated areas.
Furthermore, the Governor aligned with the delegation’s developmental vision by advocating for an integrated energy strategy, calling for the accelerated rollout of a major solar power initiative on a 145-hectare plot and the comprehensive upgrade of the Maiduguri emergency power plant.
