NNPC Set To Return To Lake Chad For Oil Exploration Despite Security Concerns

Despite the security concerns in the North-East, the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, has indicated the resolve of the corporation to go back to Lake Chad basin and continue the search for crude oil.

Speaking at the NNPC Day at the ongoing 39th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna on Wednesday, the NNPC boss remarked that in spite of the security challenges experience in the basin, there would not be any determent in resuming to start oil exploration.

Baru added that with the release of the staff of the corporation who were abducted while exploring for oil in the area, it will return “with full force” to continue with exploration activities.

“On the lake chad oil exploration, we have been working tirelessly and we thank the president for rescuing some of our lecturers that were involved in the exploration in the region. We are going back to the chad basin with full force” he declared.

Some lecturers of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) who were contracted by NNPC, were abducted last June by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

They, however, did not regain their freedom till recently, following negotiations with the terrorists.

Speaking at the event, Baru said the corporation has also intensified exploration activities in the Benue trough.

The NNPC GMD further revealed the corporation will explore for oil in Benue, Nasarawa, Niger and Sokoto States, adding that with what the corporation has seen so far, it was sure of success.