WATCH: President Buhari flags off drilling of oil well in Bauchi-Gombe

President Muhammadu Buhari has officially flagged off the Spud-in of the Kolmani River Well-II at the Gongola Basin, Upper Benue Trough, between Bauchi and Gombe States.

According to the NNPC, Buhari gave a directive for the prioritisation of exploration efforts in the frontier basins in order to increase the nation’s oil/gas reserves and production.

“In simple terms, Spud-in is the beginning of the drilling of an oil well by a rig targeting a prospective reservoir,” the corporation said Saturday afternoon.

The Kolmani River Well-II will be drilled by Ikenga Rig 101, a reputable Oil Services consortium, Messrs Etihad Oilfield Services/Drillog Petrodynamics Ltd., under a Turnkey Contract Agreement.

It also said the execution of the project has positively impacted the people of the host communities.

“It is note-worthy that the host communities of this Project are already benefitting from it. For example, in preparation for the drilling ops, NNPC group constructed a 14.2km access road in the area. It also delivered health facilities, ICT centre & boreholes,” the NNPC added.

The impact the project has had on the host communities.

President Buhari will proceed to the Pantami Stadium in Gombe for another leg of his reelection campaign.

Meanwhile, there is ongoing public outcry on oil spillage in the Niger Delta, which has reportedly led to pollution of potable water for locals who live close to oil drilling sites, as well as the endangerment of sea animals.