President Bola Tinubu has approved all necessary regulatory licences 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 groundbreaking of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
According to a statement from his media aide, the minister explained that the approvals are part of the Federal Government’s strategy to boost oil production by tapping into all available hydrocarbon resources across the country. He said President Tinubu is focused on using Nigeria’s energy sector to drive industrial growth, create jobs and increase national revenue.
Lokpobiri praised Bauchi State for supporting the government’s energy goals, adding that the newly launched academy shows the state’s dedication to developing local talent in the oil and gas sector. He also commended the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for its ongoing support in manpower development.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, thanked the Federal Government for its backing and said the academy would help build vital skills for the country’s future.
The Kolmani project was first launched in November 2022, marking the start of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. Located in the Kolmani River II oil field, the project is now set to resume drilling activities.
Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, confirmed that oil drilling in Kolmani will continue, along with the completion of the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline. He said the project is expected to revive dormant businesses and create new economic opportunities in the region.