The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed N17 billion to Bauchi State to accelerate oil and gas exploration and boost manpower development through the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during the official groundbreaking ceremony for the academy.
Lokpobiri applauded Governor Bala Mohammed for his visionary leadership, especially in aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s drive for energy security and sustainable oil and gas sector development.
READ MORE
- NNPCL CEO Vows to Continue Oil Exploration in Northern Nigeria, Promises Economic Revival
- Things Nigerian Youths Must Know When Choosing Career Paths: University Is Not the Only Route
“Many believe the global energy transition is phasing out oil and gas, but it remains the dominant global energy source. Governor Mohammed understands this and is positioning Bauchi as a key player,” the minister said.
Lokpobiri revealed that the N17 billion, initially stalled under the previous administration, was released by the Tinubu administration to support energy projects like the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy.
He further announced the renewal of expired licences for the Kolmani Oil Block, following presidential directives, reinforcing the government’s renewed interest in the Kolmani Basin oil project. “President Tinubu gave immediate approval for licence renewal in Kolmani. This academy will produce the skilled labour required for Kolmani and other global oil and gas fields,” Lokpobiri added.
The minister was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Alhaji Galadima, who pledged continuous federal support for training and infrastructure in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Governor Bala Mohammed thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling the financial commitment, confirming that N6 billion out of the total sum is allocated to the construction of the academy.
He stated that the academy was conceived in 2021, after the discovery of commercial oil and gas in the Kolmani region by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners. “This institution will train the manpower needed for Kolmani and beyond, empowering our youth and women through vocational education,” Governor Mohammed said.
He stressed that Bauchi State is committed to contributing to national development through oil and gas production, solid minerals, and agriculture, moving away from a dependency mindset.
Lokpobiri called on young Nigerians to enrol in the academy to benefit from international job prospects in the oil and gas industry. He assured that the federal government will support the project to completion.
Governor Mohammed reiterated Bauchi’s commitment to supporting the federal government’s efforts to achieve economic growth, energy development, and job creation in Nigeria.
