North-East governors seek resumption of oil exploration activities in Borno

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has called for the resumption of oil exploration activities previously initiated in Magumeri and Gubio LGAs of Borno state.

NEGF made the call in a communiqué issued on Saturday after its 13th meeting in Maiduguri, Borno state.

“Forum appreciates Mr. President for the renewed attention on the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor and frontier oil exploration at Kolmani and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway,” the statement reads.

“Forum however, calls on Federal Government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.”

The forum also acknowledged the efforts of member states to improve electricity supply and boost energy access across the subregion.

According to the statement, the forum has shifted its energy agenda from individual state concerns to a regional approach.

“The Dadinkowa hydropower plant now feeds the national grid. It encourages all member states to take advantage of the new electricity law and abundant sunshine to strengthen the electricity needs of the subregion and expand solar and mini-grid solutions for development,” the forum said.

They also reiterated a long-standing concern over the “seeming neglect of the Mambila Hydro power plant,” urging the federal government to leverage the “recent clearance of the legal encumbrance with the arbitration ruling on the matter” to accelerate the plant’s completion and commencement of operations.

To reduce transportation costs, improve logistics and stimulate economic activities across the region, the forum agreed to partner with Green Ville Energy to establish more compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations across the subregion.