Effects of crude oil discovery in the North

The discovery of hydrocarbon deposist (crude oil) in the Kolmani River 11 well on the Upper Benue through Gongola basin, in the North East is a cheering news and welcome development. The discovery would not have become possible without the support of President Muhammad Buhari and the strong commitment of the erstwhile group managing director […]

The discovery of hydrocarbon deposist (crude oil) in the Kolmani River 11 well on the Upper Benue through Gongola basin, in the North East is a cheering news and welcome development. The discovery would not have become possible without the support of President Muhammad Buhari and the strong commitment of the erstwhile group managing director of NNPC, Maikanti Baru. Now, Northern Nigeria has joined the league or list of oil producing region.

The discovery of crude oil in the region as stated by government would provide or create job opportunities, revenue generation and above all attract investments. If the exploration begins and oil start flowing, the once booming agricultural region will start enjoying petro-dollars. Like the Niger-delta region and other oil producing states, these luckier northern states will get the 13% derivation revenue. Besides, the oil companies, through their social corporal responsibilities will intervene in some areas such as education, health and economic empowerment. Added to this is the possibility of having ministry of North East development similar to the ministry of Niger Delta development. Although, recently the government has created North East Development Commission to accelerate and foster economy development of the region.

For instance, in Niger-Delta, environmental pollution and gas flaring have become their major challenges and nightmare in the last five decades. This eco-system problem has continued to affect the means of their lively hood such as farming and fishing. It has also affected their healthy living. Indeed, the oil drilling or exploration will create these environment challenges to the newly host oil producing communities.

Whatever may be the challenges of oil exploration in the region, the federal government and other stakeholders should take a cue and learn a lesson from Niger delta experience. For the North, being an oil producing region offers it the greater advantages to address the problems of poverty, un-employment and infrastructural development.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna state   [email protected]