The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the resumption of oil drilling in the Kolmani field, located on the boundary of Bauchi and Gombe states. The move, slated to begin in June 2025, marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing effort to tap into its vast energy resources in the northern region.
In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bashir Ojulari, emphasized that the resumption of oil drilling and the continued work on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline are pivotal to the nation’s economic growth. Ojulari stated that these projects, along with the potential for new partnerships, will have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s energy sector and the broader economy.
The Kolmani oil field holds substantial promise for Nigeria, with an estimated one billion barrels of oil and over 500 billion cubic feet of gas found within the Kolmani area straddling Gombe and Bauchi states. The oil discovery, initially flagged off in 2022, is the first commercial oil production in the Upper Benue Trough, a region that had previously seen unsuccessful drilling attempts. The Kolmani discovery is expected to generate significant foreign investment, employment opportunities, and a much-needed boost to government revenues.
With over $3 billion already invested in the region, the Kolmani oil project is poised to provide critical economic benefits, particularly in terms of job creation and the attraction of further foreign investments. In addition, the discovery underscores Nigeria’s potential to become a major player in the global energy market by diversifying its oil and gas exploration into new regions.
Alongside the oil drilling efforts in Kolmani, NNPC is also progressing with the AKK gas pipeline project. This ambitious 614-kilometer pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from Ajaokuta to Kano, with intermediate points in Abuja, Kaduna, and Zaria. The completion of the AKK pipeline is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, supporting industrial growth and helping to meet the nation’s growing energy demand.
Ojulari highlighted the synergy between the oil drilling and the gas pipeline projects, noting that they will not only support local economies but also increase Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market. By enhancing the country’s gas transport capacity, the AKK project will enable Nigeria to supply more natural gas to domestic industries and export markets, thereby strengthening its position as a regional energy powerhouse.
The resumption of oil drilling in northern Nigeria and the ongoing work on the AKK pipeline are expected to have a significant economic impact. As Ojulari noted, these projects are not just about increasing oil production but also about fostering a broader energy transformation in Nigeria. The NNPC aims to ensure that these ventures deliver tangible benefits to the local communities and the country as a whole, generating employment, boosting infrastructure, and creating opportunities for technological innovation.
The oil industry in Nigeria has long been a major contributor to the country’s GDP, but the Kolmani field and the AKK pipeline could shift the balance of the energy sector in favor of the northern region, which has previously been underdeveloped in terms of oil and gas production. The resumption of drilling activities is a critical step toward achieving a more diversified and sustainable energy sector.
Additionally, Ojulari addressed the previous tensions between NNPC and the Dangote Refinery, reassuring that the issues have now been resolved. He commended Aliko Dangote’s efforts in investing heavily in Africa’s energy sector and highlighted the importance of cooperation between NNPC and the Dangote Refinery to ensure the smooth supply of refined petroleum products. Ojulari emphasized that the reconciliation between the two entities would have a positive impact on the availability of fuel across Nigeria and ensure that both organizations work towards the common goal of strengthening the nation’s energy security.
The resumption of oil drilling in northern Nigeria is a landmark development that signals the start of a new chapter in the country’s energy history. With the Kolmani field poised to become a significant oil and gas hub, and the AKK gas pipeline facilitating the efficient distribution of natural gas, Nigeria’s energy landscape is set to undergo transformative changes. The NNPC’s focus on sustainable energy development and regional cooperation will pave the way for economic growth, job creation, and improved energy access for Nigerians across the country.
As the June 2025 resumption date for the Kolmani drilling approaches, stakeholders and investors are watching closely, anticipating the positive outcomes that these major energy projects are set to bring to Nigeria’s economy and its people.