Tinubu boosts northern energy drive, approves licence for Kolmani oil project

President Bola Tinubu has authorised the issuance of essential regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a major oil exploration initiative spanning Bauchi and Gombe States.

This was revealed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during a ceremony to commence construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area on Sunday.

A statement from the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, quoted Lokpobiri as saying the approvals are part of broader efforts to harness all viable hydrocarbon assets in the country and scale up national oil output.

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 emphasised the administration’s dedication to unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential in order to stimulate industrial activity, generate employment, and boost federal income.

READ ALSO:NNPCL to resume oil drilling operations in northern Nigeria

“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs and enhances national revenue,” he stated.

He also praised the Bauchi State Government for aligning with federal energy initiatives, describing the planned academy as a vital investment in developing skilled manpower for the oil and gas 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.

In addition, the minister acknowledged the role of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund in building capacity within the industry.

“PTDF has played a critical role in ensuring that our sector is not just productive but also future-ready,” Lokpobiri noted, expressing confidence in a strong collaboration between the fund and the new institution.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude for federal backing and reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the 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 project, first launched in November 2022, marked a significant step in oil exploration efforts in Northern Nigeria. Located at the Kolmani River II oil field, the project sits on the border between Bauchi and Gombe States.

Just last week, the Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, announced plans to resume drilling operations in the Kolmani field.

According to him, the renewed activity is expected to revive previously closed businesses and attract new investment to the region. “This will bring benefits to the region, which will lead to everyone benefiting because wealth will increase. Therefore, we must return and continue this project,” he said.

“We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other places. After the oil drilling, we will also ensure that we complete the gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano,” Ojulari said.