By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has been give a hope that it will be among oil producing States of the Country and enjoy the 13 percent derivation allocation as the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to oil exploration in the Kolmani oil field of the Benue thorough.
The indicators was raised on Monday when management of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), paid a fact finding visit to the site of the exploration.
Recall that exploration activities was officially flagged off by late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, the site has since been deserted while activities have stopped.
However, the RMAFC has assured that it will push for a renewed Federal funding and full mobilization of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, calling it a strategic asset for national revenue in general and the North – East in particular.
RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello, gave the assurance during the assessment visit to the project site on the Bauchi-Gombe border.
Muhammad Bello, who led National Commissioners and Senior officials of the Commission, said that crude oil and gas remain central to Federation revenue despite growth in non-oil earnings.
According to him, “The Kolmani Project, initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari and now under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very important not only to Bauchi and Gombe, but to the entire federation.”
He added that, “We came to verify for ourselves what is happening on the ground so we can advocate for this project to continue. The people of Bauchi, Gombe and the entire North East stand to benefit.”
Muhammad Bello also said that President Bola Tinubu had already assured the Governors of Bauchi and Gombe States that work would resume, and that RMAFC would submit a report to the President to back renewed Federal commitment.
He also commended the Bauchi State Government for establishing an institution to train manpower for the project,saying,
“It takes a Governor with vision.”
He stressed that,”The Commission assisted Bauchi in setting up that institution, and we believe it is the right step.”
In a welcome address, Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Hon. Mohammed Maiwada Bello, said activities at the site resumed between January and June 2025 after a lull in 2024, but stalled again in July.
According to him, “In July 2025, we received information from the host community that the company was demobilizing its rigs.”
According to him, Bauchi and Gombe States set up a joint team that met the company’s technical crew and were told the demobilization followed a directive from “high authority.” The matter was later reported to both governors.
Bala Mohammed later joined other North East Governors to meet President Bola Tinubu, who promised that work would resume.
“As I speak, we have not received any update on progress. But with this visit, we hope to get an update from the company and project managers,” the Commissioner said.
He noted that the project is critical to host communities for job creation and for boosting revenue for Bauchi, Gombe and Nigeria at large.
“This visit gives us hope because we know this project will touch our lives,” he said.
The Kolmani Integrated Development Project is Nigeria’s first oil exploration venture in the inland Gongola Basin.
Located across Bauchi and Gombe States, it is expected to increase national crude output and open new economic opportunities in the North East.
Officials said findings from Monday’s visit would be forwarded to President Tinubu to support advocacy for the project’s continuation.
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