The Bauchi State Govt has called on the Federal Government to expedite developmental activities at the Kolmani Oil Field, a strategic energy asset located between Bauchi and Gombe States, citing its immense potential for national economic growth and regional transformation.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner of Natural Resources development Hon. Muhammad Maiwada Bello who represented the state at the 19th Edition of the OTL African Downstream Energy Week 2025, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Commissioner Bello commended the Federal Government for its historic investment in the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, stressing that accelerating its implementation would unlock massive socio-economic opportunities, including job creation, industrial growth, and enhanced revenue generation for both the states and the federation.
Governor Mohammed has consistently positioned Bauchi State as a model for energy-driven development in northern Nigeria. By prioritising infrastructure readiness, policy reforms, and investor-friendly regulations, he has created a framework for sustainable industrial growth. The Governor’s administration has also introduced incentives for local and foreign investors, ensuring that private capital is mobilized efficiently to drive the state’s economic agenda.
Under his leadership, Bauchi State has launched several landmark initiatives, including the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri aimed at building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the state’s rapidly expanding energy sector. The academy is envisioned as a regional hub for technical excellence and innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Recognizing the importance of energy-driven industrialization, Governor Mohammed has championed the establishment of an Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Alkaleri Local Government Area. This initiative is designed to attract global investors, facilitate technology transfer, and stimulate industrial growth, positioning Bauchi as a strategic player in Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.
The Governor’s administration has also initiated partnerships with international firms, including China Fuhai Energy Group, which plans to invest over $2 billion dollars in a Petrochemical City Complex in the state. This project is set to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, enhance local capacity, and foster technological advancement in the region.
Furthering his vision for connectivity and integrated energy infrastructure, the commissioner described plans of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration to initiate Alkaleri–Jigawa–Kano (AJK) Pipeline Project, which will link with the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, facilitating the development of refineries, gas plants, and fertilizer industries, thereby transforming Bauchi into a critical energy hub in northern Nigeria.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and expressed his commitment to maintain a secure, transparent, and predictable investment climate. “We are not waiting for investors to come; we are building the road to meet them,” Commissioner Bello stated.
The OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week continues to serve as a global platform for strategic dialogue, investment mobilization, and innovation across Africa’s energy sector. Commissioner Bello highlighted that the forum has become a catalyst for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and partnerships, facilitating the implementation of transformative energy projects across the continent.
Dignitaries at the event included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Commissioner for Energy, Lagos State; representatives of the Minister of Solid Minerals; officials from NNPC Ltd; delegates from private sector organizations across Africa; and several domestic oil and gas agencies.
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