The project will not only contribute to national crude oil production but also stimulate local development and investment in northern Nigeria
NNPC to Resume Crude Oil Drilling in Northern Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria – May 12, 2025 — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced plans to resume crude oil drilling at the Kolmani oil field, located on the border between Bauchi and Gombe States. The site has been inactive for nearly two years.
The update was shared by NNPCL’s newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, during an interview with the BBC on Monday.
Ojulari confirmed that preparations are underway to relaunch drilling operations initially launched under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“We are committed to working closely with the government in Kolmani and other regions,” Ojulari said. “Beyond resuming oil drilling, we are also focused on completing the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline, which will help revive closed businesses and create new economic opportunities in the region.”
He emphasized that the project will not only contribute to national crude oil production but also stimulate local development and investment in northern Nigeria. “The wealth created from these projects will benefit everyone, and we are ready to return and continue the work,” Ojulari added.
The resumption of activity at Kolmani is seen as a major step in diversifying Nigeria’s oil production, which has historically been concentrated in the southern regions. Locals in the North view the project as an opportunity to become significant players in the country’s oil and gas industry.
This initiative also comes at a time when Nigeria is facing economic pressures and is intensifying efforts to boost domestic oil output and enhance energy security.
Background
The Kolmani oil field gained national attention in 2019 when NNPCL announced the discovery of sweet crude, gas, and condensates after drilling to a depth of 13,701 feet. This marked the first major oil find in northern Nigeria and laid the foundation for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.
Additionally, Nigeria is among three African nations—including Ivory Coast and Mozambique—slated for 10 offshore oil drilling projects between 2026 and 2027, aimed at expanding deepwater exploration and strengthening Africa’s global energy footprint.
Meanwhile, Udobong Ntia, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President of Upstream Operations, has advocated for the involvement of third-party operators to help revive idle or underperforming assets, arguing it could significantly boost oil production and national revenue. Read More
