The Senate on Wednesday rejected request to recognise Kogi State as an oil-producing state saying the state does not contribute to the Federation Account.
The rejection came after presentation on a motion entitled, ‘Need to Recognise Kogi State as an Oil-Producing State’ sponsored by Senator Isaac Alfa representing Kogi East.
After Senator Alfa presentation, the lawmakers disagreed with the request to include Kogi state as Oil producing states.
Alfa had said three oil companies — namely Shell BP (now SPDC), Elf (now Total Fina Elf) and Agip Energy — commenced oil exploration in Ibaji since 1952, precisely in Odeke, Echeno, Ihile, Anocha/Uchuchu, Omabo, Ikah, Iregwu and Ujeh, all in Ibaji of the present-day Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He added that the companies collectively drilled 25 exploration wells, two appraisal wells and eight core drill wells in the entire Anambra Basin, out of which majority of the wells fall within Kogi State, “as these facts were made possible through a letter to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the former Manager, Drilling, NPDC-NNPC, Engr. Sam A. Uchola, on 21st November, 2003″.
