Nigeria has made a significant move by recommencing the exploration of crude oil and gas in the Chad Basin area, marking a return after 28 years of absence from the region. President Buhari, speaking virtually at the Wadi-B Drilling Campaign held in Borno State on Tuesday, May 23, acknowledged that exploration activities in the Chad Basin had been ongoing since 1976, with the discovery of commercial gas at the Wadi-1 well in 1985.
According to LIB, President Buhari stated, “I am also aware that active drilling activities were suspended in 1995 to enable re-evaluation of exploration activities in the entire frontier basins. I am happy that the NNPC has since then conducted extensive Basinal Analysis and Evaluation of all frontier basins, leading to the successful drilling and discovery of crude oil and gas in commercial quantities in Kolmani River 2 and providing insight to the ongoing crude oil and gas drilling campaign in Nasarawa State, as well as the current re-entry activities into the Chad Basin.”
The resumption of exploration activities in the Chad Basin holds immense potential for Nigeria, and President Buhari expressed optimism about the positive outcomes that the country stands to gain. He also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Borno State for their support in ensuring the revival of drilling campaigns and urged security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this venture.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, affirmed the commitment of the organization to carry out detailed exploration of the Frontier Sedimentary Basins using the best industry standards and technologies. The primary objective is to achieve commercial discoveries of crude oil and gas. Kyari emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This is a spud-in event that will reinforce the Government’s commitment for exploration in the Nation’s Frontier Basins, primarily aimed at increasing the Nation’s hydrocarbon reserves. This is a mission that we will take to delivery. We are very committed. It does not depend on Mele Kyari. It will work. This is a process, and this process has value, and this value will be created for everyone.”
With the recommencement of exploration activities in the Chad Basin, Nigeria is poised to tap into its vast natural resources, contributing to its economic growth and energy security. The diligent and strategic approach taken by the NNPC reflects the country’s determination to leverage advanced technologies and industry expertise to achieve successful outcomes in the exploration and production of crude oil and gas in the region.
