President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of all key regulatory licences needed for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative located between Bauchi and Gombe States.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area on Sunday.
According to a statement released by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the approvals are part of the federal government’s strategy to increase oil output by activating all viable hydrocarbon assets across the country.
Lokpobiri stated, “President Tinubu’s decision to grant the necessary regulatory licences for the Kolmani project stems from the urgent need to boost production through all available oil platforms.”
He emphasised the administration’s focus on harnessing Nigeria’s energy resources to power industrial growth, generate employment and increase national income.
“Mr President is deliberate in his pursuit of an energy strategy that drives industrialisation, job creation, and revenue growth,” he added.
He also praised the Bauchi State Government for supporting the Federal Government’s energy agenda, describing the Oil and Gas Academy as a crucial step towards building a skilled workforce for the sector.
“Bauchi is making a forward-thinking investment in human capital that will propel the oil and gas industry,” Lokpobiri said.
He highlighted the importance of developing local capacity to manage Nigeria’s fossil fuel assets and acknowledged the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for its consistent role in manpower development.
“PTDF has been instrumental in shaping a competent and future-ready workforce for the sector,” he said, expressing hope for collaboration between the academy and the PTDF.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, thanked the Federal Government for its support and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the academy’s success.
“This institution will serve as a hub for skill development and innovation, benefitting not only Bauchi State but the entire nation,” the governor stated.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project was inaugurated in November 2022, launching oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is located in the Kolmani River II oil field, straddling the border between Bauchi and Gombe States.
Last week, Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), revealed that the company would resume oil drilling operations in the Kolmani field.
He explained that the project would enable the revival of previously shut companies and the establishment of new ones, contributing to regional and national economic growth.
“This initiative will generate widespread benefits through increased prosperity. We must resume and sustain this project,” he said.
Ojulari added, “Beyond the Kolmani oil drilling, we’re committed to completing the Ajaokuta–Kano gas pipeline to support our broader energy goals.”
