The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced plans to resume crude oil drilling activities at the Kolmani oil field, located on the border between Bauchi and Gombe states, after nearly two years of inactivity. The project, initially launched in November 2022 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, marked the first-ever crude oil exploration in northern Nigeria but was soon stalled due to technical and logistical challenges.
Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, disclosed in a recent interview that preparations are underway to restart drilling operations at Kolmani and other sites. He emphasized that beyond oil exploration, the company is committed to completing the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, which is expected to boost industrial power supply and reduce transportation costs in northern Nigeria.
Ojulari highlighted the broader economic benefits of these projects, noting that they would revive previously closed industries, create new business opportunities, and bring shared prosperity to the region. He called on residents and stakeholders in the North to support the initiatives, expressing his personal connection to the area as a northerner who grew up in Kaduna.
Addressing concerns about a recent rift between NNPCL and the Dangote Group, Ojulari assured that efforts are underway to resolve conflicts and foster collaboration to ensure a consistent fuel supply for Nigerians. He promised that future disagreements would be handled through dialogue, signaling an end to public disputes between the entities.
The Kolmani oil field, discovered in 2019, represents a significant step toward diversifying Nigeria’s oil production beyond the traditional Niger Delta region. The field is expected to begin commercial production in 2025, with output projected to peak around 2028 and continue until approximately 2060. The project is operated by New Nigeria Development and involves contractors such as Halliburton and Drillog Petrodynamics.
Local officials from Bauchi and Gombe states have urged the federal government to expedite crude oil lifting from Kolmani, emphasizing the potential economic boost for the region and the nation. The commissioners for natural resources in both states have expressed optimism that with proper federal support, full-scale operations will soon resume.
NNPCL’s renewed focus on northern oil exploration aligns with broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s energy security, increase oil production, and strengthen the country’s position in the global petroleum industry. The resumption of drilling at Kolmani and the completion of the AKK gas pipeline are seen as critical to achieving these goals amid recent fluctuations in global oil prices and domestic economic challenges.
