Tinubu Approves Licences for Kolmani Integrated Oil Project to Boost National Production.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the issuance of all critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a landmark multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative situated between Bauchi and Gombe States.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area on Sunday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the Minister noted that the approvals align with President Tinubu’s strategic push to ramp up oil production nationwide by activating all viable hydrocarbon assets.
“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 said.
Driving Energy-Led Growth
Lokpobiri reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s vast energy resources to spur industrial growth, job creation, and national revenue enhancement.
“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs, and enhances national revenue,” he added.
The minister also praised Bauchi State for aligning with federal energy objectives, citing the establishment of the Oil and Gas Academy as a step towards building local technical capacity to drive and sustain sectoral growth.
“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward.”
Boosting Manpower for Energy Future
Lokpobiri emphasized the need for local expertise in managing Nigeria’s abundant fossil fuel reserves and lauded the role of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in training sector-ready professionals.
“PTDF has played a critical role in ensuring that our sector is not just productive but also future-ready,” he said, expressing hope that the new academy would establish strong ties with the Fund.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and described the academy as a game-changer for youth empowerment and innovation in the region.
“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 remarked.
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Kolmani Project Set to Resume Drilling
Originally inaugurated in November 2022, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project represents the first major oil drilling effort in Northern Nigeria. It is based in the Kolmani River II oil field, which straddles the border between Bauchi and Gombe States.
Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, recently confirmed that oil drilling activities at the Kolmani site would soon resume.
“We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other places,” Ojulari said. “After the oil drilling, we will also ensure that we complete the gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano.”
Ojulari added that the project’s resumption would help revive dormant companies and stimulate regional economic activity.
“This will bring benefits to the region, which will lead to everyone benefiting because wealth will increase,” he stated.
With regulatory green lights now secured and drilling set to resume, the Kolmani project is poised to be a cornerstone in President Tinubu’s broader strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s energy sector and diversify its economic base.
