The Federal Government has begun moves to restart oil exploration at the stalled Kolmani field in Bauchi State, with officials assessing the project and exploring ways to get activities back on track.
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Muhammad Bello, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to the oil field.
Bello said the commission visited the site to determine the current status of the project and gather information that could support efforts to resume exploration.
He said the government was interested in restoring the momentum generated when the project began in 2023, stressing that successful development of the field would have economic benefits beyond Bauchi State and the North-East.
According to him, the commission would prepare its findings and present them to the relevant authorities as part of efforts to facilitate the project’s continuation.
Bello also said President Bola Tinubu remained interested in the development of the oil field and had assured the governors involved that efforts would be made to mobilise resources for the project.
During the visit, the RMAFC chairman also inspected the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, commending the state government for investing in manpower development that could provide skilled workers for the oil and gas industry.
He noted that the commission had contributed to funding the construction of the academy.
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello, disclosed that activities at the Kolmani site had been halted since around July 2025.
He said the state government became aware of the suspension after receiving information from members of the host community that the company responsible for the technical work had begun withdrawing from the site.
According to the commissioner, the state and local government subsequently formed a team to engage the company and determine the reasons for the stoppage.
Maiwada said the latest visit by the federal commission had renewed expectations that work could resume at the field.
He assured that the Bauchi State Government was prepared to provide the personnel and other necessary support to facilitate renewed exploration activities.
The Kolmani oil project has been regarded as a significant development for the North-East, with expectations that its eventual production could contribute to Nigeria’s oil output while creating economic opportunities in the region.
