Though it was fanfare weekend, in Barambu community in Alkaeri Local Government Area, between Bauchi and Gombe states when President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off the ceremonial Spud-in (drilling) of Kolmani River II Well, the Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru was quick to caution that early find of crude oil and gas in the north may not be feasible.
Though he called for patience on the side of the President, he did not advise the presidency to begin the exploration of several discovered oil wells that are of commercial quantity in both the South-South and South East especially in Ebonyi and Anmbra States.
There had been confirmed presence of oil wells in parts of Ebonyi and Anambra State but since the presidential rush to find oil in the north at all cost so as to augment exports from the Niger Delta, the government has remained silent to the surprise of the regions, but has stepped up multibillion naira search for what has been confirmed somewhere but not in the North.
At Kolmani River II Well, Baru averred that “It usually takes time for oil to be discovered. In Niger Delta basin, it took over 50 years for explorations to discover crude oil. ‘’Niger Republic drilled over 600 wells over many years before they discovered crude oil, therefore, Mr. President, patience is of essence here.”
Baru, however, assured that the NNPC will leave no stone unturned in executing the directive of the Presidency, while assuring that the NNPC would sustain the intensity of the ongoing oil and gas exploration in the inland basins.
