President Buhari Orders NNPC To Begin Oil Exploration In Benue

NNPC

President Muhammadu Buhari has has given a directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to begin immediate hydrocarbon exploratory activities in the Benue Trough as part of efforts to guarantee energy security of the country.

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Dr. Maikaniti Baru made this known while receiving a delegation from the Benue State Government at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Tuesday.

Baru also pledged to deepen collaboration with the Benue State Government on the Ethanol project which is geared towards production of biofuels for energy sufficiency.

Baru noted that ethanol when blended with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol ensured excellent performance of vehicles, stressing that energy sufficiency and proficiency were part of the cardinal objectives of the NNPC.

It would be recalled that NNPC initiated a renewable energy programme in August 2005 which is in conformity with the Kyoto Protocol agreement to which Nigeria is a signatory with its primary aim of linking the agricultural sector with the Oil and Gas Industry.

The programme is also aimed at gradually reducing the nation’s dependence on imported gasoline, reducing environmental pollution as a result of consumption of wholesale fossil fuel as well as creating a commercially viable industry that can boast of sustainable domestic jobs.

In his remarks, the leader of the Benue State delegation, Chief Terwase Orbunde, commended the NNPC for resolving the recent fuel supply challenges and pledged the readiness of the state government to support the quick take off of the Ethanol project, adding that the project would generate jobs for Nigerians.

Orbunde assured the NNPC of full support and cooperation from the state government and the host communities, stressing that the state government fully identified itself with the energy policy of the Federal Government.