President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of all key regulatory licences required for the commencement of full-scale operations at the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative straddling Bauchi and Gombe states.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the development at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area on Sunday.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the approvals reflect the Federal Government’s determination to unlock Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential and ramp up oil production through dormant and emerging fields across the country.
Lokpobiri said President Tinubu’s decision was driven by the need to “activate all available oil platforms for increased production,” adding that the Kolmani project forms part of a broader strategy to enhance national revenue, generate employment, and support industrialisation.
“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs and enhances national revenue,” he stated.
He also lauded the Bauchi State Government for aligning with federal energy goals and commended the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy as a vital step towards building local capacity for the oil and gas sector.
“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward,” the minister added.
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) was also recognised for its continued support in manpower development, with Lokpobiri expressing optimism that the new institution would partner effectively with PTDF to ensure long-term sectoral growth.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, praised the Federal Government for its backing and affirmed the state’s readiness to support the oil academy’s success.
“This institution will serve as a foundation for skill acquisition and innovation that will benefit not just Bauchi State but the entire nation,” the governor said.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project, located in the Kolmani River II field on the Bauchi-Gombe border, was first inaugurated in November 2022. It marked the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria.
Last week, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, confirmed that drilling operations at Kolmani would soon resume. He noted that the initiative would revive dormant businesses and spur regional economic growth.
“We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other places,” Ojulari said, adding that the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline project would also be completed as part of the broader energy development plan.
