President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of critical regulatory licenses 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 commissioning of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The statement was released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor.
Lokpobiri emphasized that activating all national facilities essential to transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains a top priority.
“This informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for us to ensure that all outstanding critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project were issued,” he stated.
He also noted that he highlighted this commitment during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy (BOGAA), located in the Kolmani region.
The minister reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s vision is focused on harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s energy sector to drive national development.
He commended Bauchi State’s role in this effort, noting that the establishment of the academy positions the state as a key player in human capital development for the energy industry.
“Given our vast fossil fuel reserves, the Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), continues to drive advancements in human capacity and technology,” he said.
“It is my expectation that the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will form a strong partnership with PTDF, ensuring long-term success and sustainability for the sector.”
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project, inaugurated in November 2022, marked the commencement of commercial oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. The project is located in the Kolmani River II oil field, a border community between Bauchi and Gombe states.
Last week, Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), confirmed that the state-owned oil firm would resume drilling operations at the Kolmani oil field.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude for the Federal Government’s continued support. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the success of the academy.
“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.
