The Kebbi State Government has expressed strong optimism over recent oil and gas exploration activities, saying new discoveries across the state could trigger a significant economic turnaround and place Kebbi at the heart of Nigeria’s emerging energy frontier.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, disclosed that preliminary horizontal surveys conducted since 2018 have uncovered promising hydrocarbon reserves in multiple local government areas.
“The discovery of oil and gas deposits across parts of Kebbi is a significant milestone. These findings suggest that Kebbi may be sitting on a vast energy resource base,” Ahmed stated.
The surveys, carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and a Chinese technical partner, extended across regions in both Sokoto and Kebbi States. Notably, the exploration identified potential reserves in Gwandu, Argungu, Dandi, and Koko—bordering the Niger Republic.
While vertical drilling and further confirmation surveys are still awaited to assess commercial viability, Ahmed noted that initial 2D seismic studies have been encouraging, with a more advanced 3D seismic survey expected soon.
“Using modern geophysical and geological technologies, we’ve been able to pinpoint subsurface structures that likely contain hydrocarbons. This greatly reduces exploration risk and cost,” he explained.
According to the Commissioner, a comprehensive survey map has already been handed over to the state by NNPCL. The data suggests that Nigeria’s oil exploration efforts may soon shift toward the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, with Kebbi positioned as a key energy hub in the North.
“Kebbi is strategically located as a gateway to the Sahel. If this momentum continues, we could join other Northern states like Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno in repositioning Nigeria’s energy and trade infrastructure toward West and Central Africa,” Ahmed added.
Even if drilling activities do not commence immediately, Ahmed emphasized that the discovery alone could significantly impact federal resource allocation and economic dynamics between Nigeria’s regions.
Highlighting the rising role of natural gas, he pointed to the need for developing infrastructure to support Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, which are gaining traction nationwide.
“CNG offers major cost savings compared to PMS and diesel. For Nigeria to benefit fully, we must establish conversion and refilling centres across all regions—and that begins with ensuring viable gas supply,” he said.
The Kebbi State Government believes the recent discoveries offer a rare and transformative opportunity—not just for the state’s economy, but also for its integration into Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape and regional development goals.
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