Tinubu: I will recharge Lake Chad, intensify oil search in Sokoto, Anambra

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says if elected, he will continue oil exploration efforts in the country.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday at a ceremony to flag off the Kolmani Integrated Development Project (KIPRO) situated on the boundary of Bauchi and Gombe states.

KIPRO is the first oil-drilling project in the north-east.

The APC candidate said he would build on Buhari’s legacies and look into oil discovery possibilities in states like Sokoto, Anambra, and Borno.

“The effort to find hydrocarbon deposits in our frontier basins has now paid off. The successful delivery of this project will elevate energy security for the country, promote economic growth and prosperity for all our people,” he said.

“I would like to commend President Buhari and the NNPC team for being steadfast and for the hardwork.

“To ensure overall energy security and resource mobilisation for our country, if elected, we shall continue the ongoing exploration works in all frontier basins in line with the new Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.

“We will intensify oil search on Borno Basin, Sokoto Basin, Bida Basin, Anambra Basin and other basins.

“Mr. President, I join you in anticipation of the full delivery of the projects and other projects of this nature in future.”

The presidential candidate also said if elected into office, he would ensure that Lake Chad is “recharged” as a means of tackling hunger and insurgency.

With concerns around climate change and insurgency, recharging Lake Chad has been cited as critical in restoring economic and social prosperity for countries like Nigeria.

“Anytime we discuss the lack of food and the challenges of terrorism, you will talk about Lake Chad. Okay, let me assure you, if I’m elected the president, I will recharge Lake Chad,” Tinubu said.

The former governor of Lagos also said history would be kind to Buhari because he is a former general who came to rescue his country when things were gloomy.

“Whatever they say in their social media, traditional comments, and write-ups, history will be very kind to you because you are in the class of great retired generals who came to rescue their country,” Tinubu said.

“We may be hungry but we can manage our hunger; we don’t want to kill each other. Today, you gave us a path to prosperity, a path to success.

“The only thing that I may want to exclude and argue about is the West and Europe. They use our coal and fuel to develop their economy and they ask us to be conscious, but I like your answer.

“We cannot stay hungry and starve to death. We have to take care of ourselves unless they pay compensation to us; that is where we stand.”