President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized the issuance of vital regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project a multibillion-dollar oil exploration venture straddling Bauchi and Gombe states.
This major development was disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, during the commissioning of the permanent campus of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, located in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The announcement was made through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, on Sunday.
Lokpobiri emphasized that energizing all national infrastructure tied to Nigeria’s oil transformation agenda remains a top priority under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“This is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted approval for the immediate issuance of all pending regulatory licences critical to the success of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project,” he said during the commissioning ceremony.
According to the Minister, the administration’s goal is to fully unlock the potential of Nigeria’s energy sector as a cornerstone for long-term national growth and prosperity. He added that the establishment of the Oil and Gas Academy in Bauchi reflects the state’s proactive role in supporting this vision by investing in human capital development to power the future of the energy industry.
“Given Nigeria’s vast fossil fuel resources, the Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), continues to champion initiatives aimed at building local capacity and advancing technology in the sector,” Lokpobiri stated.
He expressed optimism that the academy will form a strong collaboration with PTDF to deliver sustainable development and industry-ready talent for years to come.
First launched in November 2022, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project represents the beginning of full-scale oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is located at the Kolmani River II oil field, which sits along the boundary of Bauchi and Gombe states.
Just last week, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, confirmed that oil drilling activities in the Kolmani field would resume soon, signaling fresh momentum for the project.
Speaking at the event, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, commended the Federal Government for its unwavering support and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the success of the Oil and Gas Academy.
“This institution is not just for Bauchi; it will serve as a critical hub for skills training and innovation, benefitting the entire country,” the governor said.
