By: Daure David
In what has been described as a monumental discovery for Northern Nigeria, the Kolmani oil and gas field straddling the Bauchi and Gombe states has ushered in a new chapter in the region’s economic and political narrative. Once considered a frontier zone with limited hydrocarbon potential, the area is now the epicenter of a national conversation encompassing border realities, federal commitment, regional development, and long-term economic transformation.
The Kolmani Discovery and Border Discrepancies
The Kolmani River region became a spotlight of national interest after commercial quantities of oil and gas were discovered, marking Nigeria’s first successful onshore oil find in the Northern region. The field lies within the Gongola Basin of the Upper Benue Trough, a formation long suspected to hold significant hydrocarbon reserves.
However, while this breakthrough has been celebrated, it has also reignited age-old administrative and territorial tensions. The Kolmani field spans the boundary between Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State and Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. Both states have laid historical and developmental claims to portions of the area. While the Federal Government has acknowledged the overlapping jurisdictions, it has moved swiftly to maintain control and ensure that the issue does not derail development.
Stakeholders across both states have called for clear demarcation, equitable resource allocation, and inclusive development frameworks to avoid inter-state friction. Traditional leaders and civil society groups have advocated for a collaborative approach, urging federal and state authorities to treat the project as a national asset rather than a regional entitlement.
Federal Government Commitment and Regional Benefits
The Federal Government’s involvement in Kolmani is unprecedented for a first-time oil field in Nigeria's north. President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, under whose tenure the discovery was officially confirmed, pledged strong institutional and infrastructural backing. The integrated Kolmani Development Project includes an oil refinery, gas processing plant, power plant, and fertilizer production unit all to be developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners.
This model of integrated development is designed to prevent the mistakes of the Niger Delta experience where oil wealth did not translate to local development. According to NNPCL Group CEO and Minister For State Petroleum Resources, the Kolmani project aims to be a sustainable, environmentally conscious, and inclusive development model.
Both Bauchi and Gombe are expected to benefit from job creation, infrastructure development, improved education and health services, and overall economic stimulation. Local contractors, artisans, and SMEs will likely thrive from supply chain opportunities. The project’s reach, however, is envisioned to extend beyond these two states creating ripple effects across the North-East geopolitical zone and beyond.
The Oil and Gas Academy: A Catalyst for Bauchi’s Growth
Complementing the physical infrastructure of Kolmani is the Federal Government’s investment in human capital development and the establishment of an Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri, Bauchi State by Senator Bala Mohammed. The Academy is positioned to become a world-class training institution, equipping young Nigerians particularly from the North-East with technical skills in oil exploration, engineering, environmental safety, and refinery operations.
The significance of the Academy cannot be overstated. For decades, the North has lagged in specialized technical education related to the energy sector. The Oil and Gas Academy addresses this gap directly, ensuring that the region is not just a passive host to resources but a dynamic contributor to the value chain and also a major contributor to Federal Government Revenue not just a parasitic State as thanks for Governor Bala Mohammed led Administration.
This will reduce reliance on expatriates and professionals from other regions, ensuring that locals are not only employed but can grow into leadership and technical roles. The educational boost from the Academy is expected to spur related investments in housing, transport, and services in Alkaleri and surrounding areas, deepening Bauchi’s economic base.
The Long-Term Prospect for Bauchi
With the combination of oil discovery, infrastructure development, education investment, and federal attention, Bauchi stands on the verge of a socio-economic transformation. If managed effectively, Kolmani and Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy could turn the state into a new industrial hub with Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed setting the pace and standards for the state to be a major player in Oil and Gas industry.
However, this will require proactive governance, transparency, and continuous investment in public infrastructure. Bauchi State under Bala Mohammed has prioritize road networks, security, health systems, and water supply to support the expected population and industrial influx. Environmental management will also be crucial avoiding the pollution and degradation seen in the Niger Delta.
Furthermore, Bauchi could leverage Kolmani and Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy Alkaleri to promote downstream industries petrochemicals, fertilizer, plastics, and gas-based power generation. With its strategic location in north east, Bauchi can serve as a gateway to markets in the North-East, North-West, and neighboring countries like Chad and Cameroon.
The Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed has embraced digital and green technologies, ensuring its energy economy is future-ready. And also Collaborations with universities, international donors, and the private sector will help build innovation hubs and incubators linked to the oil economy as the country under transition to CNG under the Presidential initiative of President Tinubu.
However, the Kolmani oil discovery marks a pivotal point for Bauchi, Gombe, and the nation. While challenges such as border disputes and environmental concerns must be addressed, the opportunities far outweigh the risks.
With committed leadership, inclusive planning, and strategic investment in people and infrastructure, the Kolmani project and Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy Alkaleri, Bauchi State will become a beacon of prosperity demonstrating how natural resources, if wisely managed, can unite rather than divide.
It is now up to the stakeholders governments, communities, and civil society to work together to ensure that Kolmani delivers not just barrels of oil, but hope, jobs, and lasting development as Governor Bala Mohammed set the pace.
To be continued
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