By OBSERVERS TIMES
President Bola Tinubu has granted regulatory approvals for the issuance of all essential licences required for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative located between Bauchi and Gombe states.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri emphasized that these approvals are part of the government’s efforts to enhance oil production by activating all available hydrocarbon platforms across the country.
“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 Project,” he stated.
Lokpobiri reiterated the administration’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s energy resources to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and boost national revenue. “Mr. President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs, and enhances national revenue,” he added.
He commended Bauchi State for aligning with the Federal Government’s energy goals, noting that the establishment of the oil and gas academy reflects the state’s commitment to building local capacity within 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 remarked.
The minister also highlighted the importance of developing local capacity to manage Nigeria’s abundant fossil fuel reserves, praising the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for its 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 foster a strong partnership with the PTDF.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the 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,” he stated.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project, inaugurated in November 2022, marks the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria, situated 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, announced that the state-owned energy firm would resume oil drilling in the oil field. He indicated that these projects would enable previously closed companies to reopen and new ones to emerge, ultimately benefiting the region and increasing wealth. “We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other areas. After the oil drilling, we will also ensure that we complete the gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano,” Ojulari stated.
