President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted approval for the issuance of all critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects.
The project is located between Bauchi and Gombe States, where the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said oil search would resume.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri disclosed this during the flag off the construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA).
He said the imperative to activate all available oil platforms for increased production, led Tinubu to grant approvals for the issuance of all the Kolmani project’s critical regulatory licenses.
According to him, despite the global shift toward renewable energy, oil and gas remain vital to Nigeria’s development and revenue generation.
Lokpobiri noted that renewed efforts at Kolmani have gained momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to immediately renew exploration licenses for operating companies.
He assured that the federal government is ready to work closely with both Bauchi and Gombe states to ensure the project’s success.
The minister said the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy demonstrates the government’s resolve to develop local capacity and ensure a skilled workforce for Kolmani operations.
He said the academy will play a pivotal role in bridging the skills gap in the energy sector.
He further disclosed that crude oil from Kolmani has already been factored into Nigeria’s projected production capacity, highlighting its role in the nation’s broader energy strategy.
“Oil and gas will not disappear. They will continue to be central to our economic survival. No country is scaling down investment in this sector,” Lokpobiri stated.
He clarified that while the Paris Agreement advocates reduced carbon emissions, it does not call for a halt to oil and gas investments.
He explained that Nigeria is committed to leveraging its hydrocarbon assets responsibly as part of a balanced approach to energy transition.
Also speaking at the event, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, described the occasion as a milestone in his administration’s drive to promote vocational education and empower youths and women in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Mohammed acknowledged the federal government’s continued support for the Kolmani project, including funding support, part of which has been allocated to the construction of the academy.
He revealed that the state government has earmarked N6 billion for the project and has already taken steps to ensure its successful implementation.
To support its early take-off, the governor directed each local government area in the state to sponsor 10 students and announced a 50 percent tuition subsidy for all enrollees at the academy.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Maiwada Bello, recalled that the academy was approved in 2020 and has since enrolled over 500 students.
He noted that academic activities have commenced at a temporary site within the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic.
The Kolmani oil field, bordering Bauchi and Gombe States, was first inaugurated two years ago by former President Muhammadu Buhari in a historic move marking the first oil exploration venture in northern Nigeria.
