President Bola Tinubu has granted all necessary regulatory approvals for the issuance of critical licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative situated between Bauchi and Gombe States.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the flag-off ceremony for the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area on Sunday.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, quoted Minister Lokpobiri as saying that the approvals were part of efforts to boost oil production by activating all available hydrocarbon platforms across the country.
He said, “The imperative to activate all available oil platforms for increased production led President Bola Tinubu to grant approvals for the issuance of all critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects.”
Lokpobiri emphasized the administration’s dedication to fully harnessing Nigeria’s energy resources as a means to spur industrial development, generate employment opportunities, and increase national income.
“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs and enhances national revenue,” he stated.
Commending Bauchi State for aligning with the Federal Government’s energy goals, the minister said the establishment of the oil and gas academy demonstrated the state’s commitment to building local capacity for the sector.
“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward,” he added.
The minister emphasized the need to develop local capacity to manage Nigeria’s vast fossil fuel resources, commending the Petroleum Technology Development Fund for its pivotal role in manpower development.
“PTDF has played a critical role in ensuring that our sector is not just productive but also future-ready,” Lokpobiri noted, expressing optimism that the new institution would forge a strong partnership with the PTDF.
The Minister praised Bauchi State for its alignment with the Federal Government’s energy agenda, noting that the establishment of the Oil and Gas Academy reflects the state’s strong commitment to developing local talent and strengthening capacity in the sector.
“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward,” he added.
For his part, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of the Oil and Gas 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.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project was inaugurated in November 2022, marking the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is located in the Kolmani River II oil field, which lies along the border between Bauchi and Gombe States.
Last week, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, announced that the state-owned oil company will resume drilling operations at the site. This move signals renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s oil production footprint beyond the Niger Delta and advancing energy development in the northern region.
