-The move is part of the presidential directive for oil exploration in the lake chad basin and its environs.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says the corporation will soon begin crude oil exploration in Nasarawa state as part of its search for oil in the nation’s inland basins.

The disclosure was made by the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, during a visit to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Umaru Tanko Almakura in Lafia.

Baru stated that the Presidential mandate which directed NNPC to resume oil exploration activities in some of the nation’s inland basins which include the Chad Basin and the Benue Trough, was targeted at increasing the nation’s oil and gas reserves, and thereby improve revenue streams for the government as well as more business and employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Baru informed the Nasarawa state governor that the NNPC team was in Nasarawa to sensitise the government and people of the state on the mission.

“I am therefore happy to be personally here to kick-start the beginning of a high-profile stakeholder engagement towards oil exploration in the Nasarawa State’s part of the Benue Trough,” he stated.

He assured that, NNPC through its Frontier Exploration Services (FES) would do everything possible to operate peacefully among the people and with much respect to the environment.

“I am convinced that the success of the results from IDSL’s seismic data acquisition will lead to the drilling of exploration wells in the area, which hopefully, would launch Nasarawa state into the league of oil producing states in the country.”

“We have resuscitated Mosimi, Ibadan, Kano and Aba depots. Once we are done with Aba-Enugu line, we are heading towards Makurdi Depot,” Dr. Baru stated.

Earlier, Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura assured the NNPC of maximum support of both the people and government of the state towards the oil search in the area.

He particularly commended  the NNPC boss for ensuring the steady supply and distribution of petroleum products.

“Since your appointment as the GMD, NNPC, I cannot remember any issue of fuel scarcity surfacing in the country.

You are also known by many for your transparency and accountability which is very crucial in a national company like the NNPC,” the Governor stated.