By Ahmed Saka, Bauchi
A high-powered delegation comprising the Commissioners of Energy and Mineral Resources for Bauchi and Gombe States, Alhaji Sunusi Ahmad Pindiga, has visited the Kolmani Oil Project site to assess concerns raised by host communities about the dismantling and relocation of the oil drilling rig.
According to Pindiga, the visit was prompted by reports from the host communities, who became worried and sought intervention after learning about the potential relocation of the rig to another site outside the two states. The communities were concerned that the relocation might affect the project's progress and their benefits from the project.
"The host communities became worried and pleaded for intervention when they heard about the dismantling and moving out of the oil drilling rig to another location outside Gombe and Bauchi States," Pindiga said in a telephone interview with reporters. "When I heard about it, I called the field base manager, and he told us to come for an on-the-spot assessment, and I informed the Bauchi State Commissioner of Natural Resources."
Pindiga explained that the delegation was warmly received by the Field Base Manager of AOML and representatives of NNPC Limited. "They dispelled the claims going round about possibly suspending the ongoing projects," he said. "They informed the team that the rig to be taken out has completed its job description, it's a small rig now, and a bigger rig will be required to continue with re-entry into KR 2, KR 3, and KR 4 oil wells."
The Commissioner noted that the small rig has already drilled over 10,000 meters, and the next phase of the project involves clearing two fields in Bauchi State and building a road in Gombe State. "From the locations called Bauchi and Gombe, they gave completed two wells each had deposit, while from Gombe State site already they dug three wells," he said.
Pindiga emphasized that the team was taken round the project sites, and everything was working well. "In their separate messages, the Honorable Commissioners call for greater engagement with all critical stakeholders," he said. "As representatives of Government, we're calling on all to be calm, as government is doing everything possible to ensure cordial working relationship, and commended the management of NNPCL for giving fair hearing to the affected states."
The Kolmani oil field, located on the border of Bauchi and Gombe States, was inaugurated two years ago by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The project is expected to yield significant revenue for Nigeria, with estimated reserves of one billion barrels of crude oil and over 500 billion standard cubic feet of gas.
The project is being developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in partnership with Africa Oilfield Movers Limited (AOML) Consortium. The project is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase oil production in Nigeria.
In a related development, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has emphasized the importance of activating all available hydrocarbon platforms to increase oil production. "The Federal Government is looking forward to drilling more barrels of oil, hence the need for more commitment in drilling the Bauchi site," he said.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project is a significant investment in Nigeria's energy sector, and its success is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy. With the government's commitment to ensuring a cordial working relationship between all parties involved, the project is expected to move forward smoothly and achieve its objectives.
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