A five-year research project by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), carried out in partnership with the University of Jos, has identified evidence of oil and natural gas potential in parts of Plateau State. The findings have renewed interest in hydrocarbon exploration across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Researchers presented the findings on Thursday during the closing seminar of the PTDF Endowment Professorial Chair in Geology and Mineral Science at the University of Jos.
Prof. Nuhu Kadai Samaila, Professor of Sedimentology and Petroleum Geology and Chair Occupant, presented the report, Integrated Geological and Geophysical Evaluation of the Shendam Sheet 212, Middle Belt Trough, Nigeria. He said the research confirmed the presence of geological conditions that support hydrocarbon generation.
“I can tell you that there is oil in Plateau. What we are able to establish right now is gas. We also have thick sediments and temperature gradients sufficient to mature source rocks within the basin,” Prof. Samaila said.
He explained that although the research covered parts of the Benue Trough, the team concentrated its work on Shendam Sheet 212.
According to him, laboratory tests found appreciable organic carbon in rock samples, while sediment thickness exceeded 500 meters in some parts of the study area.
Although weathering and erosion affected some of the samples, the team still identified signs of hydrocarbon movement beneath the surface.
Speaking on the type of hydrocarbons identified, Prof. Samaila said the early geochemical results point more strongly to natural gas than crude oil.
“Preliminary geochemical findings suggested that the dominant organic materials identified were largely Type III and Type IV, indicating stronger natural gas potential than crude oil generation,” he said.
He also said the Langtang North and Langtang South areas showed additional signs of petroleum potential.
“Investigations around Langtang North / Langtang South formations recorded indications of oil occurrence, including degraded oil observed at the surface, suggesting additional petroleum prospects that may require further exploration,” he added.
Prof. Samaila called on PTDF to work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to carry out seismic surveys that would help determine whether the resources are commercially viable.
“If PTDF collaborates with NNPCL, they can carry out a seismic survey in the area where we worked and establish more precisely the quantity and quality of hydrocarbons available,” he said.
He also revealed that the research identified barite deposits with industrial value, along with hydrothermal energy resources that could support electricity generation.
PTDF Executive Secretary Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu urged Nigerian universities to focus on commercializing research. Mr. Dikko Abba, PTDF’s Deputy Manager for Procurement, delivered his remarks at the event.
“Research institutions must move beyond knowledge generation and focus on developing solutions capable of attracting investment and strengthening industry,” Aliyu said.
He said the University of Jos research supports Nigeria’s efforts to diversify the economy and develop its natural resources sustainably. He added that detailed geological and geophysical studies remain essential for understanding subsurface structures, evaluating mineral resources, and guiding exploration decisions.
Aliyu also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among institutions and industry players.
“We expect stronger institutional collaboration that will enhance capacity development, strengthen industrial infrastructure, and ensure practical application of research outcomes for national development,” he said.
The five-year PTDF Professorial Chair project is expected to support future exploration activities in Plateau State and other parts of the Benue Trough.
source: punchng.com
African Energy Council