Africa-Press – Gambia. Hon. Yahya Sanyang, National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, has provided insight into a past collaboration with Nigerian oil expert Professor Wilson Essien, shedding new light on the realities behind Gambia’s long-rumored oil discovery.
Speaking recently, Hon. Sanyang recalled partnering with Professor Essien—Chairman and CEO of Unitech Drilling Company Nigeria—following his return to The Gambia in 2013. Together, they established a Gambian subsidiary of the Nigerian company, with Sanyang serving as its local director. The company was registered with the legal assistance of Mr. Cherno Marena Esq.
“In 2013, following my return from studies, I partnered with Nigerian oil magnate Professor Wilson Essien, then Chairman and CEO of Unitech Drilling Company Nigeria. Together, we established a Gambian subsidiary, with me serving as the Gambian director. Mr. Cherno Marena Esq. handled the company’s registration. During our operational period in The Gambia, Unitech Nigeria, our parent company, dispatched several experts to the country. We held numerous meetings with staff from the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), then led by Managing Director Mr. Momodou Badgie,” Hon. Sanyang said.
Sanyang recounted that as part of their collaboration, Unitech conducted a detailed capacity-building needs assessment among GNPC staff. Each employee was interviewed to evaluate their professional competencies, and the findings were used to develop a tailored training manual.
“This led to the development of a comprehensive capacity-building training manual, with the training scheduled to take place in Nigeria. However, this plan did not materialize as GNPC had a similar, no-cost training opportunity in Venezuela,” he said.
Sanyang also reflected on a memorable moment when former President Yahya Jammeh publicly claimed that oil had been discovered in the country.
“He appeared on national television with a CD, declaring that oil had finally been discovered in Gambian territory,” he said. “The following day, Professor Wilson called me, amused. “Yahya, what’s happening in The Gambia?” he asked, laughing. “I listened to your president, but what he said isn’t actually what the CD contained. The CD merely presented findings from an airborne survey and 3D seismic survey, not oil, as the president claimed.” I then asked him, “Professor, do we truly have oil in The Gambia?” He replied, “Not yet, but the prospects are high. No oil for now.” he said.
After years of limited activity, the partnership eventually ceased operations in The Gambia. Nonetheless, Hon. Sanyang remains hopeful.
“After several years of limited business opportunities in The Gambia, we eventually wound up our operations. Perhaps in the future, these prospects will transform into reality, and oil will indeed be discovered,” he said.
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