Tuesday, 21 April 2015

PRESIDENT-ELECT BUHARI TO RESUME SEARCH FOR OIL ALONG CHAD BASIN


President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said the incoming administration will focus on activating the Lake Chad resources in order to resume vigorous search for oil along the Chad Basin in parts of Borno State.
Buhari made the statement in his residence during a congratulatory visit to the President-elect by Governor Kashim Shettima, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi.
The President-elect, Buhari said he was aware of the problems of the northeast and will work with governments of neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon to curtail the trans-border movement of Boko Haram in order to create a stable environment in the northeast.
Buhari promised the delegation that the issue of receding of lake chad will be tackled through the transfer of water from Central African Republic to the lake to boost commercial activities like fishing and irrigation farming.
Buhari said he once handed over  to former President Obasanjo a document raising fears on the receding Chad but will handle it now.
Buhari opined that LakeChad has the potential to create millions of jobs through its irrigation and many other commercial activities.
Buhari acknowledged the delays in oil exploration activities in the Chad Basin and said he was very conversant with the issue and would take it up once he settles in office.
Buhari said he had many years ago suggested that the exploration of oil in the Chad Basin be taken very seriously due to its economic advantage- increase in export activities as well as balance cross regional perceptions and also to manage agitations in order to enhance stability of the country. Buhari promised to pay particular attention to economic activities of the northeast in order to make it attractive for investment.

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