Victor EzejaThe issuing of all essential licenses needed for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project has received regulatory approvals from President Bola Tinubu.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made this known at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy’s permanent site in the Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state, located within the Kolmani region.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Kolmani Integrated Development Project is a multibillion-dollar oil exploration project located between Bauchi and Gombe states in Nigeria.
According to a statement released on his official X handle on Sunday, Lokpobiri stated that the approvals were a part of the move to activate all hydrocarbon platforms across the country in order to increase oil output.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was determined to fully utilise Nigeria’s energy resources to stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and increase national revenue.
“The activation of all national facilities designed to contribute to the transformation of our oil sector remains critical. 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.
The minister applauded the Bauchi State government for supporting the Federal Government’s energy goals, noting that the creation of the oil and gas academy showed the state’s dedication to enhancing local skills in the area.
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“Mr. President’s vision remains focused on harnessing the full potential of our energy sector as a catalyst for national prosperity.
“With Bauchi State embracing this drive through the establishment of the Academy, the State is positioning itself as a strategic contributor to the human capital development required to power the sector forward,” he emphasised.
While commending the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for its role in manpower development, the minister underscored the importance of developing local capacity to manage Nigeria’s abundant oil and gas reserves.
He expressed optimism that the new oil and gas academy would create a strong partnership with the PTDF.
“Given our vast fossil fuel reserves, the Federal Government, through PTDF, has continued to champion advancements in human capacity and technology. It is my expectation that the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will forge a strong partnership with PTDF, ensuring the delivery of long-term success and sustainability for the sector.”
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, President Tinubu and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil) for their unwavering support in making the Kolmani oil project a reality.
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He noted that the occasion marks a major milestone in the administration’s commitment to building capacity and promoting energy-driven development, especially given Bauchi’s strategic position in the Kolmani Oil Prospect.
Highlighting the reason for establishing the academy, Governor Mohammed said: “The vision to establish the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy was conceived shortly after the historic discovery of oil in Kolmani.
“It was inspired by a deep desire to prepare our young people for the boundless opportunities and emerging challenges within the evolving energy landscape.”
He further emphasised that the institution “stands as a historic achievement not only for Bauchi State but for the entire nation.”
According to him, the academy is “envisioned as a centre of excellence in energy education—designed to equip our youths with the technical training and industry-ready skills they need to thrive in this sector.”
The governor called on the people of the state to continue supporting the vision as they work collectively toward sustainable progress and inclusive growth.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
