Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State says, there are prospects for oil exploration and exploitation in the state, after certifying the commercial viability of the natural resource.

Idris said this in Birnin Kebbi, at a reception to receive the newly appointed Kebbi indigene, retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Abubakar Mallam Shettima, as the Managing Director of the Rima River Basin Development Authority.

Idris informed the audience that every part of Kebbi is endowed with mineral resources, among which is petrol.

He assured that the state is keen to enjoy the economic benefits of such natural endowment.

“I was in China recently, during which Kebbi signed an agreement with that country, on the processing of lithium, worth 200 million dollars. The project will afford indigenes of the state 45,000 job opportunities.”

“Here in Nigeria, the government has signed a separate agreement with another company for 300 million dollars, on cement production in Kebbi. When operational, the venture will serve as an outlet for providing 75,000 jobs, besides the benefits of the end product,” Idris said.

Editor Paul Akhagbemhe