17th May, 202&
The Federal Government has renewed the exploration licence for oil drilling in the Kolmani River region, spanning Bauchi and Gombe States, as part of efforts to ramp up Nigeria’s daily crude production and enhance regional energy contribution.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made this known on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Lokpobiri said Nigeria aims to raise oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by the end of the year, and the Kolmani basin is expected to play a key role in achieving that goal.
“When I assumed office, I discovered that the oil exploration licence for Kolmani had expired and activities had stalled. I briefed Mr President, and he immediately directed the renewal of all licences tied to the Kolmani project,” the minister stated.
He added that the government’s renewed interest in the basin is a demonstration of its commitment to developing the nation’s untapped oil reserves.
“What we want to see is Kolmani contributing significantly to Nigeria’s daily output. That’s why we are backing the efforts here fully,” Lokpobiri said.
He also described the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy as timely, noting that it would play a vital role in grooming skilled manpower for Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, commended the federal government’s support towards developing oil and gas capacity in the North-East.
He acknowledged the role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating oil exploration in the state and praised the continued backing of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This institution we are building today has received federal backing through the NATAL resources account. Out of the N17 billion approved by the previous administration, we are committing N6 billion to this academy,” the governor said.
According to Mohammed, the academy has been equipped with modern classrooms, offices, residential facilities, and an ICT centre featuring 100 computer systems to promote e-learning. He added that it also has a school management platform and an 18-seater bus to support mobility.
He further explained that the academy aims to provide vocational training to youths in the region, helping them acquire practical skills for self-reliance and future participation in the oil and gas industry.
