The Commissioners for Natural Resources and Solid Minerals in Bauchi and Gombe States have jointly called on the federal government to expedite the commencement of crude oil lifting from the Kolmani Integrated Oil Field. The appeal comes more than two years after the oil field’s inauguration.
Bauchi State Commissioner, Alhaji Mohammed A. Bello, and his Gombe State counterpart, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, made these remarks during separate interactions with journalists in their respective offices.
The commissioners highlighted the efforts of the governors of Bauchi and Gombe States in ensuring that operations resume at the Kolmani site, urging the federal government to prioritize the development of the oil field.
Located at the border of Bauchi and Gombe States, the Kolmani Oil Field spans two blocks, OPL809 and OPL810, which were drilled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in collaboration with the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).
The commissioners noted that NNPCL had engaged Sterling Global to handle further exploration, crude oil lifting, and the development of the Kolmani site. However, they expressed concerns over the delays in resuming full-scale operations, which they believe could significantly boost the economy of the two states and the nation at large.
“We are optimistic that with the right level of federal government intervention, operations at Kolmani will resume soon,” Alhaji Mohammed A. Bello stated. He added that the Bauchi State government has been actively engaging stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
Similarly, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga emphasized the strategic importance of the Kolmani Oil Field to Gombe State and the entire northern region. “This project has the potential to transform our economy and improve the livelihoods of our people. It is imperative that the federal government takes swift action to facilitate the lifting of crude oil,” he said.
The Kolmani Integrated Oil Field was inaugurated with great promise as a game-changer for the Nigerian oil and gas industry, especially in diversifying production away from the Niger Delta.
