Seven oil wells reported to have oil in commercial quantity in the North

- The existence of crude oil in commercial quantity, in seven oil wells in Bida, Niger state, has been confirmed

- The shallow wells were established in the villages of Gulu, Bakani, Makera, Kudu, Enagi, Kutigi and Kontagora

- Two investors have already expressed interest in doing the seismic data analysis to come out with blocs, before handing them over to the DPR

Seven wells drilled at the Bida Basin have confirmed existence of oil in commercial quantity, renewing optimism that Niger state may soon join the league of oil producing states.

The development was disclosed by the state’s commissioner for mineral resources, Hajiya Ramatu Yar’Adua, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the weekly state executive meeting in Minna on Thursday, May 24, Daily Trust reports.

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NAIJ.com notes that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in collaboration with the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda University, Lapai, commenced oil exploration in both Bida and Sokoto basins.

During a recent chat with newsmen, the institutions vice chancellor, Prof Nasir Maiturare, disclosed that researchers had submitted two reports on the activities to the NNPC; and that a third report was being awaited.

Hajiya Yar’Adua confirmed that the shallow wells established in the villages of Gulu, Bakani, Makera, Kudu, Enagi, Kutigi and Kontagora had shown existence of crude oil in commercial quantity.

She said a consultant oil firm had carried out the technical job that established workable data bank on the presence of oil in the basin; and that the executive council has approved the payment of N145 million out of the N380 million bill, to the firm.

She further disclosed that interest in doing the seismic data analysis to come out with blocs before handing over to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), has been expressed by two investors based in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The commissioner expressed hope that in due course, that NNPC will refund the money expended by the state government.

Naija.com