The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mallam Mele Kyari announced today that the official spud-in of the first oil well in Nasarawa State will commence in March 2023.
This is in continuation of hydrocarbon exploration activities in Nigeria’s inland basins. He explained that results of exploratory activities confirm the presence of substantial hydrocarbon resources in the state.
Kyari disclosed this while receiving in audience a delegation of prominent Nasarawa State indigenes, led by the State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, earlier today.
He called for prompt action on the project as the global energy transition has led to a reduction in investment in fossil fuels.
“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,’’ NNPC Group CEO said.
Kyari added 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.
He emphasized the importance of the project for creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities.
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. “I want to congratulate you, the management of NNPC and the federal government for what you have done at Kolmani, for those who don’t know what you have done for Nigeria, you have written your name in gold”, he stated.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support while assuring the NNPC of a conducive environment.
