From Uthman Abubakar Maiduguri
The governors of the six states in the North-East geopolitical zone have appealed to the federal government to revive the exploration of oil in the Lake Chad shores to augment operations at the Bauchi-Gombe Kolmani fields in accelerating the zone’s post-terror and violent communal conflicts economic revival.
The governors converged on Maiduguri, Saturday, for the 13th regular meeting of North-East Governors’ Forum to deliberate on regional development, security, and economic cooperation.
In his address, the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State,noted that the resumption of oil exploration in the northeast, particularly Kolmani and the Lake Chad basin, was a critical component of the region’s economic revival strategy.
He particularly appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government for what he described as their continued commitment to the development of the North-East.”
“We particularly welcome the renewed efforts towards reviving exploration activities at the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi State,” Zulum noted, reasoning, “The revival of this important project represents more than an investment in the oil and gas sector; it offers an opportunity to unlock new economic possibilities, create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and broaden the revenue base of our states and communities.”
The Forum Chairman, however, urged that the momentum be extended to Lake Chad shores oil field, which are located in Borno State, stressing that reviving exploration activities there would complement military operations and accelerate development across the sub-region.
He emphasised that renewed federal support for oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad would help diversify the region’s economy and create much-needed jobs.
“In the same spirit, we respectfully urge the federal government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State,” Zulum stressed.
“Responsible exploration and development of our natural resources can complement ongoing reconstruction efforts, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for our rapidly growing population,” he maintained.
Other governors in attendance were Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe. The Governors of Bauchi and Yobe states were represented at the meeting by their deputies. END
