In a landmark move for Nigeria’s oil sector, President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of critical regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar initiative aimed at boosting the nation’s oil exploration capabilities.
The Kolmani project, which straddles the border between Bauchi and Gombe states, is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to unlock the oil potential of the Northern region. The announcement came during a ceremony marking the start of the construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy (BOGAA) in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, highlighted the importance of this step in transforming Nigeria’s energy sector. He stated that the President’s decision to approve the necessary regulatory licenses was a vital part of ensuring the long-term success of the Kolmani oil field project.
“The activation of national facilities designed to advance our oil sector remains critical. This informed President Tinubu’s approval to ensure that all outstanding critical regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project were issued,” Lokpobiri said.
He went on to underline that the government’s vision is focused on fully harnessing Nigeria’s energy sector to drive national prosperity, with special emphasis on human capital development. This is particularly relevant as Bauchi State takes a central role in the establishment of the BOGAA, which is set to play a pivotal role in equipping the workforce needed to power the country’s growing oil and gas industry.
The Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will partner with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), an agency dedicated to advancing technological and human capacity in the sector. This collaboration is expected to bolster the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
A Historic Move for Northern Nigeria’s Oil Industry
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project was first launched in November 2022 and represents the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. The Kolmani River II oil field, located at the border of Bauchi and Gombe states, is set to become a central hub for the country’s energy needs.
Last week, Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), confirmed that oil drilling activities at the Kolmani site would resume, further strengthening the government’s commitment to tapping into the region’s untapped reserves.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed his appreciation for the federal government’s support, emphasizing the strategic role the academy would play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce.
“This institution will serve as a foundation for skill acquisition and innovation that will benefit not just Bauchi State but the entire nation,” Governor Mohammed remarked.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project is poised to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s oil sector, and its successful implementation will contribute to the country’s energy security, economic growth, and job creation.