The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced plans to resume crude oil drilling activities in the Kolmani area, which lies along the border between Bauchi and Gombe states, by June.
Speaking during a recent interview on BBC Hausa, Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of both the oil drilling operations and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project. According to him, these initiatives are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
“We’re moving forward with drilling in the Kolmani field and continuing our work on the AKK gas pipeline,” Ojulari explained. “The companies already engaged in the project will remain on-site, and we’re also open to new partnerships. These projects will have a significant positive impact on Nigerians, and by next month, people will begin to see visible results.”
The AKK gas pipeline spans 614 kilometers, running from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano, with transit points in Abuja, Kaduna, and Zaria. The infrastructure is designed to transport natural gas across several northern states, supporting industrial and domestic use.
In 2019, NNPC discovered hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani River II Well, located in the Gongola Basin within Nigeria’s Upper Benue Trough. This find marked a milestone as the first confirmed commercial oil discovery in the northern part of the country. Drilling officially commenced in 2022 under a federal government initiative.
The discovery in Kolmani is believed to hold over one billion barrels of crude oil and approximately 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas. According to NNPC, the project has already drawn $3 billion in investments and is expected to drive foreign interest, create employment opportunities, and significantly increase national revenue.
Ojulari also touched on the company’s relationship with the Dangote Refinery, stating that any previous disputes have been resolved.
“We commend Aliko Dangote for his bold investment in the continent,” he said. “The issues between NNPC and the Dangote Refinery have been settled. We’re now working together toward a shared goal — improving access to fuel for Nigerians. Fuel marketers will soon be able to make direct purchases from the refinery without delay. We’re committed to solving any future challenges cooperatively and efficiently.”
