President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the issuance of critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative located between Bauchi and Gombe states.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the announcement during the commissioning of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the approval reflects the federal government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s oil sector by activating key national infrastructure and initiatives.

“This informed President Tinubu’s approval for us to ensure that all outstanding critical regulatory licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project were issued,” Lokpobiri stated.

He added that the President’s vision for the energy sector is to harness its full potential as a driver of national development. The Minister praised Bauchi State for embracing this vision with the establishment of the Oil and Gas Academy, positioning the state as a key contributor to building the human capital needed in the industry.

“With our vast fossil fuel reserves, the Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has continued to support advances in human capacity and technology,” he noted.

He expressed optimism that the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy would establish a strong partnership with the PTDF to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

The Kolmani Integrated Development Project was first inaugurated in November 2022, marking the beginning of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria. It is located in the Kolmani River II oil field, which straddles the border between Bauchi and Gombe states.