JUST IN: NNPC Begins Oil Exploration in Ogun

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Ogun State is poised to join the ranks of oil-producing states in Nigeria, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) prepares to commence oil and gas exploration in the state. A team of stakeholders in the oil industry, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, visited Ogun State on Friday to announce plans for oil exploration in the state.

The Minister stated that Ogun State has significant potential for hydrocarbon deposits, being part of the Dahomey Basin. He emphasized that oil and gas remain crucial to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and that the federal government is committed to exploring and developing the sector to shore up revenue.

The Group Managing Director, NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, expressed optimism that oil would be found in commercial quantities in Ogun State, which is blessed to be in the Dahomey Basin corridor. The Executive Director, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Genga Komolafe, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to growing oil reserves and enhancing federation revenue through exploration activities.

Governor Dapo Abiodun welcomed the team and expressed optimism that Ogun State’s unique opportunities and potential would make it a beneficiary of the frontier exploration basin funding, leading to commercial success and economic benefits from exploration and production. He highlighted the state’s advantages, including ease of access, low entry and operating costs, and a supportive government.