Ike Amos
Abuja — The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, said it would extend the ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, gas pipeline to Algeria.
In a statement in Abuja, the NNPC explained that the decision to extend the AKK gas pipeline to Algeria was in furtherance of its African integration drive, adding that was also in line with plans to extend the West African Gas Pipeline, WAGP, to Morocco.
Speaking during a visit by executive officers of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) to his office, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru also stated that the NNPC was achieving satisfactory progress with oil exploration activities at the Kolmani River II Well, noting that so far, the corporation had drilled 6,700 feet in the well.
He noted that the target for the Kolmani River well was 14,200 feet, stating, however, that the depth could be longer depending on findings.
He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari should be commended for the progress being made on the drilling of the well, adding that prospecting for oil and gas in Kolmani River-II Well was one of the recent forays of the government into inland exploration in parts of the country.
Baru also commended PETAN for its contribution to the development of the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.
He pledged support for the association, saying, “My pride in PETAN is that, today, we have the capacity and expertise as Nigerians to carry out any job in the Industry that was hitherto done by foreigners. As a champion of Nigerian content, we will continue to support you in whatever way we can.”
Also speaking, Chairman of PETAN, Mr. Bank-Anthony Okoroafor, commended Baru for engineering transformation in every aspect of the petroleum industry since his assumption of office.
He cited the resumption of exploration in the inland basins and the flag-off of Bonga Southwest project which has been in the shelf for more than 10 years as fruits of the Baru’s visionary leadership and doggedness.
The PETAN Chairman stated that in recognition of Baru’s sterling performance and as a mark of appreciation to him, the association had decided to honour him with its “Visionary Leadership Award”.
He said Baru would also officially open the Nigerian Pavilion at the forthcoming Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, and serve as keynote speaker on the theme: “Nigeria’s Deepwater: The Journey So Far” at the conference.
He said the GMD would also serve as chairman of the technical session.
The PETAN Chairman explained that the association was committed to the realization of the nation’s four million barrels per day production and 40 billion barrels reserve targets, adding that with Baru’s commitment, the targets would be achieved.
