NNPCL, states differ as N’East oil exploration remains in limbo

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and officials of the Gombe and Bauchi state governments have expressed divergent views over the seemingly stalled oil exploration activities at the Kolmani integrated oil field.

The field is located at Barambu village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The government officials said no tangible progress has been recorded on the project for more than two years after Kolmani Integrated Oil was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.

But the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, said the oil giant did not abandon the project or any other crude oil exploration and drilling in the Northern part of the country.

The Kolmani field in North-East Nigeria reportedly has oil in commercial quantities with Oil Prospecting Licences 809 and 810 cutting across Kolmani One, Two, Three, Four, and Five.

NNPCL had engaged Sterling Global to continue with exploration, lifting crude oil and developing the Kolmani Oil Field.

Expressing their concern over the lack of activities on the field, in separate interviews earlier, the officials which include the Bauchi State Commissioner of Natural Resources and Solid Minerals, Mohammed Bello, and the Gombe State Commissioner of Energy and Solid Minerals, Sanusi Pindiga, urged the government to hasten the commencement of full-scale lifting of crude oil for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to the Gombe commissioner, Pindiga, the recent visit to the project site by Starling Global Company, following which drilling machines and equipment were returned to the site, had raised their hopes for the commencement of oil drilling at Barambu.

Pindiga explained that building an academy where indigenous people can be trained in the skills needed by exploration companies has reached an advanced stage, with students already in classes to ensure the smooth takeoff of exploration activities.

They also claimed that the governors of the two oil-rich states, Bauchi and Gombe, are doing everything they can to ensure the company responsible for developing the oil field returns to the site and begins drilling.

On Thursday, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, stressed that significant effort had not been shown by the national oil firm to commence the exploration of crude oil in Kolmani.

He said, “The governor recently visited the NNPCL GCEO. The essence of the visit was to get the NNPCL to fast-track its activities to put things in place within the Kolmani. The two commissioners are following the thoughts of their governors.”

Asked if operations were ongoing at the oilfield, Misilli said, “We are not the ones to say it’s ongoing or not. It is the NNPCL. You know this oil thing is in the exclusive list; ours is just as per the oil-producing community, we are like the host for this project. You put honey in our mouths by saying very soon we will become oil-rich, and all of a sudden work is not going the way it should.

“It’s safe to urge them to come and continue the work. NNPCL says it’s still working, fine, let them tell us the work they are doing. We are not joining issues with anyone but just urging them; if they are working they should put extra effort.”

Responding to a question on whether NNPCL has abandoned the Kolmani well, the oil firm’s spokesperson said exploration activities on all oil wells in the North are still on track.

Soneye in a response sent to our correspondent also listed ongoing projects to include post-drilling tests at Wadi-2 Well; OPL 732 (Chad Basin, Borno State) to assess commercial hydrocarbon deposits; and a 14,250 feet drilling at the Ebenyi-1 Well, OPL 826 (Middle Benue Trough, Nasarawa State).

“Far from abandoning these efforts, NNPC Ltd is expanding the scope of its exploration activities to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s inland basins.

“NNPC Ltd remains a pivotal player in advancing Nigeria’s energy security, driven by its transformation into a global energy leader. With the Petroleum Industry Act as its guiding framework, the company continues to prioritize exploration in the North while also addressing national energy challenges.

 “Progress in Northern Exploration include Wadi-2 Well, OPL 732 (Chad Basin, Borno State). It was spudded in November 2023, reaching a total depth of 12,050 feet by June 2024 and post-drilling tests are underway to assess commercial hydrocarbon deposits.

“Ebenyi-1 Well, OPL 826 (Middle Benue Trough, Nasarawa State). Drilling began in July 2023, with efforts ongoing to reach a planned depth of 14,250 feet. Equipment upgrades are in progress to ensure seamless operations,” Soneye stated.

He added that these projects complement the success of earlier discoveries, including the Kolmani field in the North-East.

“Significant infrastructure developments are underway to support the next phase of field development and resources. The exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the northern region is not just a vision but an ongoing reality. These efforts aim to bolster Nigeria’s OPEC quota, enhance the petroleum industry value chain, and drive national prosperity.

“NNPC Ltd encourages all Nigerians to remain optimistic and supportive of these initiatives, as the benefits extend beyond energy security to include economic growth, wealth creation, and human capital development.

“Through sustained exploration in the North and beyond, NNPC Ltd is setting the stage for greater achievements, reaffirming its role as a leader in global energy, and ensuring that its gains benefit all stakeholders, including Nigerians and investors alike. The future is bright, and NNPC Ltd is fully committed to delivering it,” he concluded.