The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says the ongoing oil exploration in Nigeria’s frontier basins will increase the country’s hydrocarbon reserves from 37 billion barrels to 50 billion barrels, a projection to be further buoyed by the Ebenyi-A Exploration Well in Nasarawa State.
The NNPC Limited said the outcome of the campaign would contribute to the aspiration of increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production to a target of three million barrels.
Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPCL, made this known on Tuesday at the presidential spud-in ceremony of the Ebenyi-A Exploration Well, located in the Middle Benue Trough in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Host Governor Abdullahi Sule and the NNPCL GCEO performed the spud-in ceremony on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe; retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, who is the Emir of Lafia; and some other dignitaries were also in attendance.
Kyari said it was a special occasion for the NNPCL, NUPRC, Nasarawa people and Nigeria, while at the same time executing the President’s mandate for them to pursue exploration in the frontier inland Basins with vigour.
He said the mandate no doubt targeted growth of hydrocarbon reserves in the country with the ultimate aim of enhancing national energy security and associated economic benefits to the people.
Kyari recalled that exploration in the Middle Benue Trough commenced over a decade ago, adding that since 2010, it had executed several geophysical activities, applied niche technologies and conducted very integrated study leading to the firming up of the Ebenyi-A Well.
“Indeed, our findings are very indicative of potential commercial hydrocarbon discovery in this area,” the NNPCL GCEO said.
He said that the NNPCL in conjunction with the NURPC were committed to conducting exploration activities of the nation’s frontier Basins using the best industry standards and technologies.
According to him, the basin spans the Chad Basin, Upper and Lower Benue troughs, Bida Basin, Sokoto basin, Dahomey, Anambra platform, Calabar embarkment and Ultra deep water Niger Delta.
He disclosed that mobilisation for re-entry into the Chad Basin has commenced as directed by Buhari as it progressed other activities in the Frontier Basins.
Kyari assured the stakeholders that it would conduct the operation with the utmost care and attention to health, safety and the environment.
He said: “We understand the responsibility that comes with exploring and exploiting natural resources, and we are committed to doing so in a way that will best benefit our country and its people.
“As NNPC Limited, we are committed to leading practices and highest standards in the course of our operations and would be engaging in Impact Assessment studies during and after operations to mitigate possible effects of our exploration activities.
“We will also engage the host communities as major stakeholders and execute Community Assisted Projects in line with NNPC Limited Corporate Social Responsibility policies and provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Kyari thanked the President for his leadership, direction in making this a reality and acceptance to perform the spud and kick-start the Ebenyi-A drilling campaign.
He thanked its client, NURPC, the Commission Chief Executive and NUPRC team for their support and continued partnership.
He also commended the Nasarawa State Government and citizens, royal fathers and security agencies for the uncommon understanding and support on the project.
Besides, he appreciated the members of its dedicated team of professionals who had worked tirelessly and broke the jinx around oil and gas exploration in the rift system of Nigeria.
