President Bola Tinubu has authorised the issuance of key regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative spanning Bauchi and Gombe states.
This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the commissioning of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The disclosure was contained in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, on Sunday.
The statement emphasised the importance of activating all national facilities intended to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s oil sector.
“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.
“I emphasised this point while flagging off the construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri (BOGAA), Bauchi State, located within the Kolmani region,” he was quoted as saying.
He said the President’s vision remained focused on harnessing the full potential of the energy sector as a catalyst for national prosperity.
He noted that with Bauchi State embracing this drive through the establishment of the academy, the state was positioning itself as a strategic contributor to the human capital development required to power the sector forward.
“Given our vast fossil fuel reserves, the Nigerian Government, through PTDF, have continued to champion advancements in human capacity and technology.
“It is my expectation that the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will forge a strong partnership with PTDF, ensuring the delivery of long-term success and sustainability for the sector,” the statement added.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project, first inaugurated in November 2022, marked the start of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is situated in the Kolmani River II oil field, a border community between Bauchi and Gombe states.
Last week, the Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed that the state-owned energy firm would resume oil drilling in the oil field
On his part, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, appreciated the Nigeian 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,” the governor added.
