The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Kolmani oil exploration project, with the minister of state for petroleum resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, emphasising the enduring importance of oil and gas to Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that two years ago, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, at the twilight of his tenure, inaugurated the Kolmani oil exploration, the first of its kind in northern Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in partnership with New Nigeria Development Company, drilled two oil blocks, OPL809 and OPL810, accordingly, at Kolmani. The two blocks transcend neighbouring Bauchi and Gombe states.
Speaking yesterday during the inauguration for the construction of Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri, Senator Lokpobiri highlighted that contrary to popular misconceptions, the global shift towards cleaner energy does not signal the end of oil and gas investments.
The minister said the renewed focus on Kolmani oil field located at the border of Bauchi and Gombe states, has gained momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the immediate renewal of licenses issued to operating companies.
Lokpobiri assured stakeholders that the federal government was prepared to collaborate with Bauchi and Gombe states to ensure the success of the project.
He added that bolstering this commitment was the establishment of an oil and gas academy, envisioned to provide the skilled labour required for the Kolmani exploration and subsequent operations.
The minister said the academy would serve as a critical enabler, bridging the gap between local talent and the specialised expertise needed in the sector.
He said the expected crude from Kolmani had already been factored into Nigeria’s projected oil production capacity, underscoring the project’s strategic significance.
Lokpobiri affirmed that Kolmani was integral to Nigeria’s energy strategy, contributing to both domestic needs and export potential.
“Oil and gas will never disappear. It will continue to be a leading source of revenue for governments. No country is reducing investment in oil and gas,” he stated.
He clarified that while the Paris Agreement obligates nations to cut carbon emissions, it does not call for a reduction in oil and gas investments. This nuanced interpretation aligns with Nigeria’s strategic commitment to leveraging its hydrocarbon resources to drive economic growth and energy security.
The minister said the renewed push positions Kolmani as a linchpin in Nigeria’s drive to maximise its natural resources while navigating global energy transitions, securing its relevance on the international energy map.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said over N6bn had been allocated for the building of the academy to give modern state-of-the-art facilities.
He said the academy would not only provide intellectual skills for graduates needed in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector but is also relevant in women and youth empowerment through livelihood skills.
He urged the federal government to support the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy to provide the needed human expertise for the Kolmani Oil exploration.