Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on the federal government to commence oil and gas exploration in Sokoto basin.
The basin extends across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states. Tambuwal made the appeal at first quarter 2021 public lecture series at the Usmanu Danfodio University (UDU), Sokoto on behalf of the governments of the affected states.
Speaking at the occasion, Tambuwal said the states were ready to collaborate with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in exploring the Sokoto Basin.
He said the initial unsuccessful attempt to seek oil deposits in Touareg basin, which predates Oloibiri in the Niger Delta, was that of ELF expedition 70 years ago.
“Later in the 80s, during Shagari’s administration, I was told by the late Sultan Dasuki, of blessed memory, that the same ELF was invited here again. He, himself, undertook a trip to France under the then regime, and they came back. Again, the same story,” he explained.
He said the affected states would like the federal government to revisit the search for oil in the basin, adding that “we are already to give whatever it takes to make it happen”.
