By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is preparing to restart crude oil drilling at the Kolmani oil field, located on the border between Bauchi and Gombe States, after almost two years of halted operations.
This development was revealed by NNPCL’s newly appointed Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, during an interview with the BBC last Monday.
Ojulari explained that the project, which began under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, is now set to resume with NNPCL working to revitalize the site.
He highlighted that the return to drilling is part of a broader strategy to boost national oil production and enhance Nigeria’s energy security, particularly in the northern region, which has historically been excluded from the oil and gas industry dominated by the southern states.
The Kolmani oil field holds significant potential, with the discovery of sweet crude, gas, and condensates in 2019.
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The project is expected to play a key role in diversifying the country’s oil base and strengthening economic opportunities for the northern region, which Ojulari noted is poised to benefit from the project through job creation and economic development.
Beyond drilling, NNPCL also plans to complete the Ajaokuta to Kano gas pipeline project, aiming to revive local businesses and stimulate new industrial growth.
Ojulari further emphasized that these efforts align with NNPCL’s commitment to supporting economic development across the country by leveraging the energy sector.
As Nigeria looks to diversify its energy portfolio, the Kolmani oil project signals a new chapter for the northern region’s involvement in the oil and gas sector.
The discovery of oil in the area in 2019 marked the first major find in Northern Nigeria, paving the way for this significant development.
Looking forward, Nigeria’s involvement in offshore oil exploration will also increase, with 10 new drilling projects planned between 2026 and 2027. These projects aim to enhance Africa’s position in the global energy landscape.
In light of this, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President for Upstream, Udobong Ntia, emphasized the need for third-party operators to help boost oil production by revitalizing underperforming assets, a move that could further strengthen Nigeria’s national revenue.
