RMAFC to push for full resumption of Kolmani Oil exploration project
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has pledged to advocate for the full resumption of the Kolmani oil exploration project in Bauchi State, citing its potential to create jobs and generate additional revenue for the Federation.
The Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Muhammad Bello Shehu, made the pledge during an oversight visit to the Kolmani project site.
He said the Commission would assess the situation and present its findings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the continuation of the project.
Dr. Bello Shehu described Kolmani as a strategic project for Bauchi and Gombe States, the North-East region and Nigeria at large, stressing that, its full exploitation would create employment opportunities, improve the livelihoods of host communities and increase revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
He said President Tinubu had assured the governors of Bauchi and Gombe States of his commitment to ensuring the continuation of the project, adding that RMAFC would follow up on the matter and advocate for the necessary mobilisation to facilitate its full resumption.
The RMAFC Chairman also commended the Bauchi State Government for the ongoing construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri, describing the initiative as a significant investment that would benefit both the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
He expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the Bauchi State Government was utilising funds allocated to it for development projects.
Speaking on the development, Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Maiwada Bello, recalled that activities at the Kolmani site resumed between January and June 2025 before the operating company demobilised its rigs in July of the same year following a directive from higher authorities.
He explained that officials from Bauchi and Gombe States subsequently engaged the company’s technical team and briefed their respective governors on the development.
According to him, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed later raised the issue with President Tinubu alongside other North-East governors in an effort to secure the resumption of activities at the site.
Muhammad Maiwada expressed optimism that the RMAFC oversight visit would provide renewed momentum for the project, noting that its resumption would create employment opportunities and generate additional revenue for Bauchi State, host communities and the country.
He also disclosed that construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri had reached between 60 and 70 per cent completion.
Also speaking, RMAFC Federal Commissioner representing Bauchi State, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim Gamawa, said the Federal Government’s funding of the training institute linked to the project demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that the project takes off and provides opportunities for the people.
She assured that RMAFC would continue to follow up on developments surrounding the project, while commending Governor Bala Mohammed for his commitment to the initiative.