Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed commitment to the continuation of oil exploration in Bida Basin.
A statement made available to RukotoTV by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State said Governor Umaru Bago disclosed this when he received officials of the White Page International Concept Nigerian Limited at the Government House, Minna.
The Governor who observed that Bida Basin hydrocarbon exploration activities have stagnated over the years, said his administration will do all it takes to ensure that the project achieves the desired objective.
“We need to take a bold step on this and we will work round the clock to get this done, this will take us out of poverty, it’s a breakthrough and we will do whatever we can, to make this a reality and make our next generation enjoy the project”, he said.
Governor Bago then directed relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to work hard towards ensuring the exploration continues to the later.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), White Page International Concept Nigeria Limited, Engr. Mohammed Yakubu during his presentation explained that the company has been consulting for the state for oil exploration activities for the past eight years.
The CEO said exploration had commenced in Makera, Bokani, Kutigi and Gulu under Mashegu, Mokwa, Lavun and Lapai local government areas respectively and however disclosed that finance and lack of political will have been the major constraints to the progress of the exploration activities in the state.
He said the company has discovered 17 oil blocks in the state and wants the state government to control two of the blocks and allow indigenous and foreign investors to have the rest.
The CEO said the state has a high volume of hydrocarbon which could last for the next 70 years and bring about economic benefit among other things to the state.
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