President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of essential regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, an ambitious oil exploration venture situated between Bauchi and Gombe states in Northern Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, the announcement was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s media adviser, Nneamaka Okafor, the approvals are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to enhance oil production across the country.
“The decision to activate all available hydrocarbon platforms has driven Mr President to grant all necessary regulatory approvals for the Kolmani project,” Lokpobiri said.
“This is in line with our commitment to reposition Nigeria’s energy sector for increased productivity and national revenue.”
Lokpobiri emphasized that the Tinubu administration is focused on transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape to serve as a springboard for job creation, industrialization, and economic growth.
“President Tinubu is deliberate in his pursuit to use energy as a catalyst for national development. This project is a clear step in that direction,” he added.
The minister lauded the government of Bauchi State for supporting the Federal Government’s energy agenda and highlighted the significance of the oil and gas academy, which he described as a strategic move to build the human capacity necessary to drive the sector.
“With the establishment of this academy, Bauchi State is taking a bold step toward fostering local expertise that will power Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stated.
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) also received commendation from the minister for its ongoing role in manpower development in the petroleum sector.
“PTDF has been instrumental in equipping the sector with skilled professionals. I am confident this academy will forge strong partnerships with PTDF for greater impact,” Lokpobiri said.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and pledged to ensure the academy’s success.
“This institution will serve not only the people of Bauchi but the entire country by driving innovation and skill development in the energy sector,” the governor noted.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project, inaugurated in November 2022, marked a significant milestone as it signaled the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is located in the Kolmani River II field on the border of Bauchi and Gombe states.
In a related development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, revealed last week that the company is set to resume oil drilling in the Kolmani field.
“These projects will reopen dormant businesses and create new economic opportunities for the region,” Ojulari said. “We are not only resuming drilling operations but also committed to completing the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline to support energy distribution.”
Ojulari underscored the potential economic impact, noting that the revival of the project would contribute to wealth creation and regional development.
“This renewed focus on Kolmani and other strategic sites is key to ensuring energy sufficiency and national prosperity,” he added.