By Samuel Adeola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted full regulatory approval for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, paving the way for the revival of oil drilling at the strategic site between Bauchi and Gombe States.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the development during the launch of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri.
He said the approvals were driven by the president’s resolve to increase oil production by activating dormant fields across the country.
“The president has approved all critical regulatory licences for Kolmani because he understands the urgency of boosting national output and economic growth,” Lokpobiri stated.
Describing Kolmani as a region rich in energy potential, the minister said the project is central to the administration’s strategy of job creation, revenue expansion, and energy security.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi commended the Federal Government’s commitment and hailed the new academy as a catalyst for innovation and youth empowerment.
“This institution will shape the future of our oil sector by equipping young Nigerians with the right skills,” the governor said.
Group Chief Executive of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, confirmed that oil drilling operations will soon resume in Kolmani, adding that work is progressing on the Ajaokuta to Kano gas pipeline.
The Kolmani project, first launched in 2022, is situated at the Kolmani River II oil field on the Bauchi-Gombe border.
