Tinubu approves license for Kolmani oil project

President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of all critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a major oil exploration initiative situated between Bauchi and Gombe states.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made this announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA).

Lokpobiri explained that President Tinubu’s directive is aimed at accelerating oil production by activating key platforms like Kolmani.

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Despite the global shift toward renewable energy, he emphasized that oil and gas remain crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and revenue.

The minister noted that the Kolmani project has gained renewed traction following Tinubu’s order to fast-track the renewal of exploration licences for companies involved in the region.

He assured that the federal government is committed to collaborating with Bauchi and Gombe states to ensure the project’s success.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, describing it as a key step in building local technical capacity and bridging the skills gap in Nigeria’s energy sector.

According to Lokpobiri, crude oil from the Kolmani field has already been included in Nigeria’s projected output, reflecting its role in the country’s broader energy strategy.

“Oil and gas are not disappearing. They remain central to our economic survival. No nation is cutting back investment in this sector,” he said, clarifying that the Paris Agreement advocates emission reduction, not a halt in fossil fuel investment.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a balanced energy transition that leverages its hydrocarbon assets responsibly.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, described the launch of the academy’s permanent site as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to promote vocational training and empower youths and women in the oil and gas sector.

The governor lauded the federal government’s support for the Kolmani project and revealed that the state has committed N6 billion to the academy’s development.

He also directed all local government areas to sponsor 10 students each and announced a 50 per cent tuition subsidy for all enrolled students.

Maiwada Bello, the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, noted that the academy, initially approved in 2020, has already enrolled over 500 students, with academic activities underway at a temporary site within Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic.

The Kolmani oil field, which spans the border of Bauchi and Gombe states, was officially inaugurated two years ago by former President Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first major oil exploration project in northern Nigeria.

The Star