Two years after the launch of crude oil drilling at the Bauch and Gombe border, Bayo Ojulari, new director of Nigerian national oil company Limited (NNPCL), has announced plans to resume operations.
On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, then President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Kolmani oil drilling project, marking the first oil exploration in northern Nigeria. However, the project was stopped shortly after the flag collapsed.
In an interview with the BBC on Monday, Odurali urged local residents to stay calm and assured that drilling activities will resume.
He said, “We will continue to drill at Kolmani and other sites. Beyond oil exploration, we are also working on completing gas pipeline projects from Ajaocta to Kanji.”
He added that these projects will revive previously closed industries and create new ones.
“This development brings economic benefits to the region and lifts everyone through shared prosperity. So we must return to the site and continue our work,” Odurali said.
Ojrali, from northern Nigeria, said he was surprised by some of the reactions to his appointment and called on citizens across the country to pray for success in supporting him and moving forward both the region and the country.
Peace with Dangote
In a prolonged tear between the NNPCL and the Dangote Group, the new CEO said efforts to repair the fence are already underway.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
“Dangote made an important contribution, and it deserves praise,” he said. “We have held consultations to resolve the conflict and will work together to ensure a consistent fuel supply for Nigerians going forward.”
He emphasized that future disagreements will be resolved through dialogue, adding, “The conflict between NNPCL and the Dangote refinery will not be heard any more. We will cooperate in Nigeria’s interests.”
World oil prices
Odurali also addressed the recent decline in global crude oil prices, which reduced Nigeria’s expected revenue.
“This decline will affect Nigeria’s budget, as it relies on the projected oil revenues for the majority of it.,” he said.
However, he pointed out that NNPCL is working to reduce operational costs to make the most of its oil and gas sales.
In response to a public complaint that local fuel prices did not fall as global prices fell, Odurali explained that dealers need time to adjust.
“If you buy fuel at a higher price before the drop, they will have to sell at that old rate. But with a new purchase at a lower price, we expect local prices to ultimately reflect the change,” he said.
