The Gombe State government says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rift Petroleum Company Ltd. to accelerate oil exploration and production in the state.

In a statement by his press affairs director-general, Isma’il Misili, on Tuesday in Gombe, governor Inuwa Yahaya said the MoU was needed, especially with the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIB) and clamour by states to collect value added tax.

Mr Yahaya said previous state administrations lacked the political will to explore the abundant mineral resources in the state.

The governor said the state was collaborating with investors aimed at harnessing abundant resources towards actualising the goals of its development programmes.

He said he had intimated the federal government on the need for the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other relevant agencies to expedite action on oil and gas exploration in the state.

“The need for us to explore and get maximum benefit from our God-given natural endowment is imperative now having realised how much ground we have lost in that direction.

“The benefits from such huge investments to the state and country cannot be quantified.

“The MoU signed with NNPC on development of biofuel technologies and the N16.4 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.

“And the proposal by Madugu Cement to establish a cement factory in Kembu and Kwali of Akko and Yamaltu Deba LGAs are an indication of Gombe State’s vision and readiness in investment drive,” the governor was quoted as saying in the statement.

While calling on the host communities to cooperate with the investors to facilitate smooth take off of their operations, Mr Yahaya said that proactive steps had been implemented to guard against negative experiences associated with oil and gas exploration.

According to the statement, chairman of Rift Petroleum, Rabiu Suleiman, said hydrocarbon deposits were discovered in commercial quantities at Kolmani area of the state.