By Editor-in-Chief 
Nigeria is poised on the brink of a profound transformation, ready to redefine its energy landscape and spark substantial economic growth. The recent renewed commitment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to recommence drilling operations at the Kolmani oil field, coupled with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, signifies a pivotal convergence of initiatives. These are meticulously designed to usher Northern Nigeria into a new era of prosperity. From the vantage point of petroleum academia, these developments present both formidable opportunities and critical challenges, underscoring the indispensable role of education and training in realising the nation’s ambitious vision.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project, situated across Gombe and Bauchi States, has been a subject of considerable discourse and anticipation, and is now set to become a cornerstone of the nation’s energy security and economic rejuvenation. Under the astute leadership of CEO Bayo Ojulari, the NNPC is demonstrating a clear intent to advance this vital undertaking. This ambitious endeavour not only envisages the extraction of crucial hydrocarbon resources but also aims to establish an integrated refinery and gas processing facilities. Furthermore, the inclusion of a power plant, fuelled by associated natural gas, highlights a progressive approach to energising local economies and bolstering agricultural output through enhanced fertiliser production.
Inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kolmani project marks a seminal moment in Nigeria’s energy narrative. As the nation’s first significant inland oil discovery, Kolmani offers a multifaceted approach to energy security, transcending mere crude oil extraction. Its integrated design encompasses a refinery to process crude oil, thereby curtailing reliance on costly imports and stabilising domestic fuel supply. Crucially, it also incorporates a gas processing plant to capture associated natural gas – a resource too often flared. This gas will fuel a dedicated power plant, significantly improving energy access and reliability, which is vital for industrial growth and enhanced living standards. Moreover, a fertiliser production plant, utilising natural gas feedstock, will boost agricultural productivity and food security.
As I highlighted in an earlier piece in February of this year, Kolmani’s impact extends beyond energy; it promises considerable job creation across various sectors, stimulating local economies and attracting ancillary industries. By minimising gas flaring, it also contributes to a cleaner environment, aligning with global environmental best practices.
The project’s success, however, hinges on effective management, robust community engagement, and sustainable practices. Continued investment and strategic partnerships are essential to realise its transformative potential. Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has consistently emphasised the paramount importance of transparency and accountability in the project’s execution to ensure its benefits reach the intended communities.
Complementing the Kolmani initiative is the proposed substantial Bagel/Zungur Multipurpose Dam Project. This endeavour underscores a commitment to comprehensive development, promising reliable water resources for irrigation and domestic consumption, alongside the generation of hydroelectric power. The synergy between these two monumental projects paints a vivid picture of a transformative vision for the North, where energy independence and agricultural enhancement converge to forge a resilient economic framework.
Located in Bauchi State, the proposed Bagel/Zungur Multipurpose Dam Project represents a crucial investment in water resource management. This N600 billion initiative is meticulously designed to provide a reliable water source for irrigation, domestic use, and electricity generation. The dam’s potential benefits are immense. Consistent clean water will improve sanitation and public health, whilst reliable irrigation will revolutionise agriculture, enhancing food security and enabling year-round farming. The hydroelectric power generated will significantly boost electricity supply, empowering local businesses and improving quality of life across the region.
Beyond these core benefits, the dam offers further advantages, including flood control, job creation, and economic diversification. The project will also contribute to environmental sustainability by providing a clean energy source. However, challenges such as securing adequate funding, conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, and ensuring proper resettlement plans must be robustly addressed.
Meaningful community engagement is also crucial for the project’s long-term success.
Ultimately, the success of these infrastructural and developmental undertakings hinges on the cultivation of the requisite human capital. This fundamental understanding has led to the astute establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in the Alkaleri Local Government Area. The academy is poised to play a crucial role in empowering local youths to capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities within the oil and gas sector. This proactive measure is designed to equip local communities with the necessary skills, ensuring that advancements in the energy sector translate into tangible benefits for the populace.
The establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State marks a pivotal advancement in Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development and the enhancement of its human capital. Backed by a substantial government investment of N17 billion, the academy aims to cultivate local talent and equip young people with the essential skills to thrive in the dynamic oil and gas sector.
The discovery of oil at Kolmani presents a remarkable opportunity for economic expansion; however, it simultaneously highlights the urgent need for skilled professionals to drive the industry forward. The Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy is strategically positioned to address this challenge by offering specialised training and development programmes meticulously tailored to the unique demands of the energy sector.
The academy will prioritise building the capacity of local communities to engage effectively in the oil and gas industry. Its training initiatives will empower young people with the necessary expertise to capitalise on the opportunities that the Kolmani oil discovery brings. By equipping the youth to navigate the challenges and leverage the prospects within the energy sector, Bauchi State is laying a robust foundation for sustainable progress. The objectives of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy are closely intertwined with the ambitions of the Kolmani oil project. By cultivating a skilled workforce, the academy will play an instrumental role in unlocking the region’s resource potential, ensuring that advancements in the energy sector translate into significant benefits for local communities.
This governmental investment underscores a deep commitment to human capital development and sustainable economic growth. Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s vision for the academy extends beyond mere infrastructure; it emphasises holistic human development, a cornerstone of any truly successful national development strategy. By prioritising local communities and promoting empowerment, the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy stands as a proactive initiative that will foster sustainable development within the energy sector. Its focus on nurturing human capital is vital to ensuring that the benefits of the Kolmani oil discovery are distributed equitably among all stakeholders, paving the way for a prosperous future for the region.
Both the Kolmani project and its accompanying initiatives exemplify a comprehensive approach to national development. They address not only the technical and infrastructural demands of energy production and water resource management but also the crucial imperative to cultivate a workforce capable of navigating the complexities of a modern energy sector. This multifaceted strategy aligns seamlessly with broader governmental objectives of bolstering energy security whilst simultaneously fostering democratic stability through economic diversification.
As we witness the revival of the Kolmani project and the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, it is abundantly clear that Northern Nigeria holds the key to unlocking immense potential. This resurgence signifies more than just economic opportunity; it represents a collaborative endeavour among federal and state governments, private enterprises, and local communities. It serves as a clarion call to action for all stakeholders to actively engage in these initiatives, ensuring that the momentum generated leads to profound and lasting change, ultimately benefiting not just the region but the entirety of Nigeria.
The successful execution of these projects will not only redefine the economic fabric of Northern Nigeria but will also reaffirm the nation’s standing as a hub of innovation on the African continent. Now, more than ever, it is vital to harness this momentum as we embark on a path brimming with promise, potential, and possibility.
_Shu’aibu Usman Leman is Former National Secretary,
Nigeria Union of Journalists.
email: shuaibuusmanleman@yahoo.com