President Tinubu Approves Licenses For Kolmani Oil Project In Northern Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved the necessary licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a major oil exploration initiative located 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 to begin construction on the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

In a statement released by his media adviser, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri explained that these approvals are part of ongoing efforts to boost oil production by making use of all available oil reserves and infrastructure across the country.

He said the Kolmani project is a key part of the government’s plan to expand oil production and transform Nigeria’s energy sector.

According to him, President Tinubu’s directive was aimed at fast-tracking all regulatory processes holding back the project.

He said, “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.

“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 highlighted the administration’s goal to fully harness Nigeria’s energy resources, not just for increasing oil output, but also to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and increase national income.

“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs and enhances national revenue,” he stated.

He also praised Bauchi State for supporting the Federal Government’s energy goals, stressing that the establishment of the oil and gas academy is proof of the state’s commitment to training professionals and strengthening local participation in the sector.

“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward,” he added.

The Minister urged the academy to partner with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), which he commended for consistently building skilled manpower and advancing technological capabilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“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.

“PTDF has played a critical role in ensuring that our sector is not just productive but also future-ready,” Lokpobiri noted, expressing optimism that the new institution would forge a strong partnership with the PTDF.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed thanked the Federal Government for its backing and promised that the academy would help develop vital skills and support innovation that would benefit both the state and the nation.

“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.

The Kolmani project, first launched in November 2022, marked the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is located at the Kolmani River II oil field on the Bauchi-Gombe border.

Last week, Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), revealed that drilling activities at the Kolmani site would soon resume. He added that the project is expected to revive dormant businesses, create new ones, and boost economic activity in the region.

Ojulari also stated that in addition to drilling, the government plans to complete the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline as part of the broader energy development agenda.

“This will bring benefits to the region, which will lead to everyone benefiting because wealth will increase. Therefore, we must return and continue this project.

“We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other places. After the oil drilling, we will also ensure that we complete the gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano,” Ojulari said.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently sent a ₦1.78 trillion budget proposal for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the Senate, asking for its approval for the 2025 fiscal year.