From Yahaya Audu, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has entered into partnership with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC) for oil exploration in Bauchi state.
This was disclosed today by the Bauchi state Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar when he paid a visit to the prospective of the exploration to show his support and assure them of safety.
Abubakar said that a dream of over twenty years ago has today come to be a true dream under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He explained that another Nigeria oil and gas have been found in the area of Benue through 3D seismic prospect.
He added that the 3D technology that was utilized twenty years ago to find gas in Colmani River has make my dream come true. The Governor prayed that the project will be a successful one.
The governor further said that the government of Bauchi state welcomes the management of the two companies to the state and that they are ready to partner with them.
He urged the two companies to work hand in hand with the members of the community so that they can maintain a cordial relationship with the community.
“Lot of sons of this community will be employed in this company and already some children of the community had already been employed before now.”
While calling on the people of the community to ensure safety of property and a cordial relationship between the workers so that the project will not be abandoned again.
Speaking was the Group Managing Director engineer Maikanti Bello represented by the group General Manager Frontier Exploration services, Dr.Mazadu Bako. He stated that they have already built a good relations with the host communities.
He said the oil exploration and gas will soon be discovered.
Speaking to Journalists one of the farmers in the community Alhaji Garba Umaru said the owners of the land are yet to be compensated.
Umar said on the issue of employment, his child was initially employed but later stopped by the company, so I am calling on the entire staff of the company to please re-engaged him.
Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar on the issue of compensation, said that those that are affected will be compensated. “Each farms land will be compensated”, saying that there is no way the government or any private sectors will use people property without compensation.
