President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will soon commence drilling for a deeper search for oil and gas in the Benue Trough.
The president made the disclosure while addressing traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, Benue State.
He said the drilling would be the next step following the commencement of drilling in the Kolmani River area, located within Bauchi and Gombe States
Buhari recalled that as minister of petroleum in the 70s, he had seen “very interesting seismic surveys” that promised oil and gas from the Chad Basin through the Benue Trough down to the Delta region.
He said for mostly commercial reasons, investment was directed to the Niger Delta given the promise of quicker results.
Earlier, the Tor Tiv had expressed appreciation to President Buhari, for the way and manner he has conducted his campaign peacefully.
“We had a challenging time in 2016. Thanks for your intervention, for accepting our appeal to step up security. Operation Whirl Strike has succeeded in chasing away violent herders,” he said. In his remarks, Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, called for free and fair elections, urging all contestants to abide by the outcome.
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