On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari officially inaugurated the Ebenyi-A Exploration Well, the first oil drilling project located in the Middle Benue Trough in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. During the virtual spud-in ceremony, Buhari urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) and its partners to prioritize the environmental consequences of oil exploration activities and take measures to mitigate any negative impacts.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Group CEO, NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, performed the spud-in ceremony on behalf of Buhari, while other dignitaries in attendance included Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), retired Justice Bage Muhammad, Emir of Lafia, and several royal fathers.
Buhari noted that the new oil discovery aligns with ongoing campaigns for crude oil and gas exploration in the country’s Frontier Basins. He praised the NNPC Limited’s extensive work on exploiting prospects in the Middle Benue Trough, leading to the successful inauguration of the Ebenyi-A Exploration Well.
The president congratulated the NNPCL, the NUPRC, and other partners for their significant contributions to making the exploration possible. He expressed optimism that the drilling campaigns would lead to greater prosperity for Nigerians and enhance the country’s overall energy security.
Buhari also acknowledged that the surrounding communities would particularly benefit from the value that the exploration and eventual production activities would create. Finally, he thanked the government and people of Nasarawa, particularly the host community, for their unwavering support and collaboration towards the success of the exploration campaign.
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