By Charles Pemu 
President Bola Tinubu has approved the issuance of all key regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a major oil exploration initiative located between Bauchi and Gombe States.
The announcement was made by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), during the groundbreaking of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy permanent site in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Lokpobiri stated that Tinubu’s approval aligns with the administration’s drive to activate untapped oil platforms and boost national output.
“The imperative to activate all available oil platforms for increased production led President Tinubu to grant approvals for Kolmani,” he said.
He also praised Bauchi’s efforts in building energy-focused human capital through the newly established academy, calling it a “strategic contribution to national development.”
Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the academy and described it as a hub for future innovation.
Meanwhile, NNPC Limited’s GCEO Bayo Ojulari confirmed plans to resume drilling operations at the Kolmani site. He added that the project would help revive dormant businesses and accelerate work on the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline.
Originally launched in November 2022, Kolmani is Nigeria’s first oil project in the North and forms a crucial part of Tinubu’s energy diversification plan.