President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the issuance of critical regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.
The multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative is located between Bauchi and Gombe states.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and communications to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nneamaka Okafor, on Sunday, he said the development was revealed during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
“The activation of all national facilities designed to contribute to the transformation of our oil sector remains critical.
“This informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for us to ensure that all outstanding critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project were issued.
“I emphasised this point while flagging off the construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri (BOGAA), Bauchi State, located within the Kolmani region. Mr. President’s vision remains focused on harnessing the full potential of our energy sector as a catalyst for national prosperity.
“With Bauchi State embracing this drive through the establishment of the Academy, the State is positioning itself as a strategic contributor to the human capital development required to power the sector forward.
“Given our vast fossil fuel reserves, the Federal Government, through PTDF, have continued to champion advancements in human capacity and technology.
“It is my expectation that the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will forge a strong partnership with PTDF, ensuring the delivery of long-term success and sustainability for the sector.” The statement quoted Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project was first inaugurated in November 2022, marking the start of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria.
It is situated in the Kolmani River II oil field, a border community between Bauchi and Gombe States.
Last week, the Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed that the state-owned energy firm would resume oil drilling in the oil fieldOn his part, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, appreciated the Federal Government’s support and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the academy’s success.
“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.
