From Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has commenced moves to reconstruct oil exploration in the state, with the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr.
Hyacinth Iormem Alia focusing on an abandoned oil well at Okwuji in Apa Local Government Area.
The oil well was drilled in 1969, about 57 years ago, during the early period of oil exploration in Nigeria.
It was part of exploration activities carried out in the Benue Trough to determine whether the area contained commercially useful oil and gas deposits.
The abandoned well has now been brought back into focus by the Benue State Steering Committee on Coal, Coalbed Methane and Allied Resources as the state intensifies efforts to identify and develop its natural resources.
Following the rediscovery of the old well, technical assessments, geological studies and site evaluations were being carried out to determine the condition of the well and the quantity and quality of hydrocarbons that may be present in the area.
The government is also looking at the possibility of developing crude oil, natural gas and Coalbed Methane (CBM) resources in the Benue Trough.
Plans are being developed for further exploration and possible development activities around December 2026, subject to the outcome of the technical investigations and necessary approvals.
At the time the well was drilled, exploration technology was not as advanced as it is today.
The commercial development of oil in the Niger Delta also received greater attention because of its large and easily accessible reserves.
The current administration of Rev. Fr. Alia is therefore seeking to use modern technology and new geological knowledge to properly reassess the resources around Okwuji and other parts of the Benue Trough.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Alia, Barr. Atagher, disclosed that the governor was ready to partner with credible companies and investors that were willing to support the revival and development of the abandoned oil wells.
The administration is seeking technical and financial partnerships because oil and gas exploration requires significant investment, modern equipment and specialised expertise.
What oil and gas development could mean for the state:
It could create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in engineering, construction, transportation, logistics, security, technical services and other areas.
It could also attract local and international investors into the state and encourage the establishment of industries that depend on reliable energy.
Natural gas and Coalbed Methane could further be used for electricity generation and industrial activities, helping businesses reduce their dependence on expensive energy sources.
More economic activities would also increase opportunities for local businesses and communities around the areas where exploration and production take place.
Benue is already one of Nigeria’s major agricultural states, while the Benue Trough is known for its potential in coal, coalbed methane and other solid minerals.
The development of these resources alongside agriculture could help Benue build a more diversified economy.
Instead of depending mainly on agriculture and federal allocations, the state could gradually develop several major economic sectors — agriculture, mining, oil and gas, energy and manufacturing.
The revival of oil exploration fits into Governor Alia’s broader focus on industrialising Benue and developing the state’s resources.
If commercially restored oil and gas deposits are confirmed and properly developed, the revenue and economic activities generated could support further investment in roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, water supply and other public infrastructure.
It could also strengthen Benue’s position as an investment destination and create opportunities for young people who are currently seeking employment outside the state.
However, the immediate focus remains on proper exploration and confirmation of the resources. The government must establish the commercial quantity of oil or gas available before full production can begin.
The development at Okwuji therefore represents an important step in Benue’s attempt to unlock resources that have remained largely untapped for decades.
With agriculture, solid minerals and now renewed oil and gas exploration receiving attention, Benue is positioning itself to build an economy based not only on what it produces from its farms, but also on the natural resources beneath its soil.
If the exploration proves successful, the revival of the 57-year-old Okwuji oil well could become an important milestone in the State’s economic and industrial development.