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President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the issuance of essential regulatory licenses tied to the Kolmani Integrated Development Project a multibillion-dollar oil exploration venture spanning Bauchi and Gombe States.
The approval was announced by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the commissioning of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The minister’s comments were shared through a statement released by his media aide, Nneamaka Okafor, on Sunday.
According to the statement, President Tinubu’s decision reflects his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and enabling critical infrastructure development.
“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,” Lokpobiri stated.
He emphasized that the federal government views the energy sector as a driving force for national growth and prosperity. With the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, the state is taking a proactive role in developing the human capital necessary to sustain the industry’s progress.
Lokpobiri also highlighted ongoing federal efforts particularly through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to support technological advancement and skill development across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
“It is my expectation that the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will form a strategic partnership with PTDF to ensure long-term sustainability and success in the energy sector,” he added.
First launched in November 2022, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project marked a historic milestone as the first major oil exploration effort in Northern Nigeria. Located in the Kolmani River II field on the Bauchi-Gombe border, the site has attracted significant interest and investment.
Last week, Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), announced plans to resume drilling operations at the Kolmani field, further signaling momentum for the region’s oil development.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support and reiterated the state’s full commitment to the academy’s mission.
“This institution will serve as a foundation for skill acquisition and innovation—not just for Bauchi State, but for the entire country,” the governor said.
As the Kolmani project gains pace, stakeholders see it as a transformative step toward economic diversification, regional development, and energy security.
