By Tasiu Muhammad Pantami
The Initiative for Good Leadership and Development, Gombe, expresses its deep concern over the prolonged silence surrounding the development of the Kolmani oilfield in the Bauchi/Gombe axis.
As a concerned Civil Society Organization, we urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to revive activities related to the project.
We are aware of the various efforts being made individually by both Bauchi and Gombe States. However, we believe it is imperative that the two governments come together and unite in demanding answers from the Federal Government regarding the progress of this critical project. We believe that by working together, we can amplify our collective voice and ensure that our concerns are heard.
In a statement signed by Tasiu Muhammad Pantami, it was highlighted that the Kolmani oilfield is relatively large, with an estimated crude oil reserve of about 1 billion barrels and approximately 500 million cubic feet of natural gas. To effectively and fully exploit these enormous resources, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project was designed. This project includes a refinery with the capacity to refine 250,000 barrels per day and a fertilizer plant with a production capacity of 2,000 tons.
According to him, the entire energy requirements of the project would be provided by a 350-megawatt power plant located in the area. Already, about 3 billion dollars of investment have been attracted to the project, according to President Muhammadu Buhari during the official flag-off and groundbreaking ceremony at the Kolmani site in November 2022.
The statement further indicates that we have been informed that project activities are expected to fully take off in 2025, yet we are now nearing the end of 2024, and nothing is visibly happening. It was reported that one year and four months after Buhari’s flag-off, activities at the site were halted.
We recognize that the Kolmani oilfield holds immense potential, and it is crucial for the Federal Government to prioritize and expedite the oil drilling project at the Kolmani Gombe/Bauchi axis.
The project holds significant economic potential for Nigeria, and expediting its progress would bring several benefits to the country, as highlighted below:
Economic Growth: Fast-tracking the commencement of the project would lead to increased oil production in the country, resulting in higher revenue generation for the government. This additional revenue can be utilized for various developmental projects, infrastructure improvements, and social welfare programs, ultimately contributing to overall economic growth.
Job Creation: The oil drilling project would create numerous job opportunities for local communities, stimulating employment and reducing unemployment rates. This would have a positive impact on the livelihoods of individuals, reduce youth restiveness, and contribute to poverty reduction/alleviation in the region.
Energy Security: Enhancing oil production in the Kolmani Gombe/Bauchi axis would contribute to Nigeria’s energy security by reducing dependence on oil reserves in other regions. It would strengthen the country’s self-sufficiency in meeting its energy demands and reduce the need for oil imports.
Investment and Infrastructure: The successful implementation of the project would attract domestic and foreign investments to the region. These investments would not only support the oil industry but also spur infrastructure development, such as road construction and the building of schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities.
Technological Advancements: The project would assist in leveraging advanced technologies and expertise, leading to knowledge transfer and skill development among the local workforce. This would enhance the overall technical capabilities in the oil industry and contribute to the growth of the country’s technological sector.
To ensure the timely kickoff of the project, the Federal Government should allocate sufficient resources, streamline administrative structures and processes, address security concerns, and engage with relevant stakeholders.
By accelerating the project, Nigeria can maximize its economic potential, create employment opportunities, and bolster its energy sector for a sustainable future. However, the lack of progress in its development has left our people feeling neglected and disappointed. Consequently, we wish to reiterate that both Bauchi and Gombe states should use their human and material resources, engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government, and utilize international and local media outlets to bring attention to this pressing issue.
We also encourage grassroots voices to pressure the government to expedite action on the project. Furthermore, we call on our Traditional Institutions, Legal Luminaries, Intelligentsia, and other professional bodies and individuals to add their voices in urging the Federal Government to resume activities at Kolmani.
Finally, we urge the people of Gombe and Bauchi to join us in this call for unity and action. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our region benefits from the development of this vital project.