KEY POINTS
- The Federal Government plans to revive exploration at the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi.
- Exploration activities reportedly stopped around July 2025 after the technical company demobilised.
- RMAFC and Bauchi State say they are ready to support the project’s resumption.
The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to reviving oil exploration at the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi State, months after activities at the site were halted.
The renewed push was disclosed by the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Muhammad Bello, during an inspection visit to the oil field on Monday.
The Kolmani project, located within the Benue Trough, was officially flagged off by former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s oil-producing base beyond the traditional Niger Delta region.
Bello said the RMAFC visited the site to assess the condition of the project and determine what would be required to restart exploration.
He stressed that the project remained strategically important to Bauchi State, the wider North-East and Nigeria’s economy, particularly as the country seeks to expand its oil and gas production and develop new sources of revenue.
According to him, the Commission wants the momentum generated when the project commenced to return and is prepared to engage relevant authorities to support its continuation.
Bello also said President Bola Tinubu remained interested in the project and had assured the governors of Bauchi and Gombe states that efforts would be made to mobilise resources and personnel for the resumption of activities.
The RMAFC chairman explained that the Commission would conduct a detailed assessment of the project before submitting its findings to the appropriate authorities.
Exploration stopped in 2025
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello, disclosed that exploration activities at the site had been inactive since around July 2025.
He said the state government became concerned after receiving information from the host community that the technical company working on the project had begun demobilising from the site.
In response, the state government formed a joint team with the local government and engaged the company responsible for the technical aspects of the exploration to determine why operations had stopped.
The development effectively stalled the project, which had been expected to contribute to the diversification of Nigeria’s oil production and create new economic opportunities in the North-East.
The state government has expressed its readiness to support the Federal Government in efforts to restart exploration.
Maiwada said Bauchi State was prepared to provide the manpower and other necessary assistance required to support the project once activities resume.
He added that the RMAFC inspection had renewed optimism that exploration could return to the site.
The state government also believes the project could stimulate economic activity, attract investment and create employment opportunities for residents of Bauchi and surrounding communities.
