President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday flagged off the spud-in of the Ebenyi-A exploration well situated in Obi local government area of Nasarawa state.
The ceremony kicks off the official start of the first exploration drilling activities in the Middle Benue Trough.
Speaking at the event, Buhari stated that the event was an important milestone in the exploration of crude oil and gas in the country’s frontier basin.
“This is consistent with the commercial discovery of commercial hydrocarbons in the Kolmani area of Upper Benue Trough. I am pleased to note that activities are currently ongoing to develop the Kolmani petroleum discoveries in commercial production to add to the nation’s considerable hydrocarbon assets,” he said, adding that it will lead to greater prosperity “for our people and essentially enhance overall energy security for our country”
Speaking earlier at the ceremony, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari stated that exploration in the Benue Trough started in 2010.
“Today, we spud the first well in the Middle Benue Trough while at the same time executing Mr. president’s express mandate for us to pursue exploration in the frontier basins with vigour,” Kyari said.
