The Government of The Gambia on Friday issued two licenses to Buried Hill Energy a Canadian company for the exploration and production of oil and gas prospect in the offshore areas.

President Yahya Jammeh, SOS responsible for energy signed the licenses while Roger Haines signed on behalf of Buried Hill Energy.

Speaking on behalf of President Jammeh shortly after the signing ceremony held at Basse, Edward Singhateh SOS for Forestry and Environment said the licenses which have been signed is a petroleum exploration and production licenses for two blocks namely A1 and A4 for the offshore exploration and drilling of wells and most likely the final production of petroleum in The Gambia. "This is the first step towards turing The Gambia into a city state as promise by President Jammeh". He said the BHE company has been chosen to come on board "our socio-economic development our country. Since he has confidence in you so do we. "We will do everything within our responsibilities to ensure not do you have a successful implementation of your project but you also meet the aspiration of The Gambian people".

For his part, Roger Haines the CEO of BHE thanked President Jammeh for choosing them out of the lot for the exploration of oil in The Gambia. "I want to assure the Government that BHE will measure to exploration as signed".

Speaking earlier on, Fafa Sanyang Commissioner of Petroleum exploration said the signing of these licenses will send a positive signal to oil companies. It will as well attract more investors in the petroleum sector in The Gambia.

Siaka Camara Managing Director of The Gambia National Petroleum Company thanked President Jammeh for having the foresight and wisdom to not only take the lead promoting the frontiers of research for oil and gas prospects in The Gambia