President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of essential regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multi-billion-dollar oil exploration venture located between Bauchi and Gombe states.
The development was announced by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the flag-off of construction for the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri stated that the move is part of broader efforts by the administration to increase national oil production by activating all available hydrocarbon resources.
“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,” the minister said.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape into a powerful engine for industrialization, job creation, and national income growth.
“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs, and enhances national revenue,” he added.
Lokpobiri praised Bauchi State for aligning with the federal government’s vision for energy development and described the establishment of the oil and gas academy as a significant step toward developing skilled local manpower.
“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward,” he noted.
He also commended the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for its ongoing efforts in manpower development, stressing the importance of equipping Nigerians with the skills needed to manage the country’s fossil fuel resources efficiently.