Northern Group Commends NNPCL GCEO, Bayo Ojulari for Commitment to Oil Drilling in Northern Nigeria, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project
The Northern Renaissance Network (NRN) commends Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for his resolute commitment to continuing oil exploration in Northern Nigeria, particularly at the Kolmani Integrated Development Project (KIPRO) on the border of Bauchi and Gombe states.
His bold declaration, made during a recent interview with BBC Hausa, that “we will continue the projects in Kolmani and other parts of the North” is a testament to his dedication to unlocking the economic potential of our region and advancing Nigeria’s energy security.
As a proud Northern group, we are elated to hear such a visionary stance from a fellow Northerner who is continuing the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In November 2022, President Buhari flagged off the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a historic milestone that marked Northern Nigeria’s entry into the nation’s oil and gas landscape.
Engr. Ojulari’s pledge to sustain and expand these efforts fills us with immense pride and optimism for the future of our region.
The resumption of oil drilling in the Kolmani field, coupled with the advancement of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, holds potential for Northern Nigeria. As Ojulari rightly noted, “After completing the projects, companies that were closed will surely reopen, and new companies will spring up too.” These initiatives will catalyze economic activities, create jobs, attract foreign investment, and stimulate industrial growth across the North.
The discovery of over one billion barrels of oil and 500 billion cubic feet of gas in the Gongola Basin, as previously announced by NNPCL, attests the region’s capacity to become a new economic hub, reversing decades of underdevelopment and poverty.
We also applaud Engr. Ojulari for his assurance that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will reduce once new supplies are procured at lower costs. This proactive step will cushion the effects of hyperinflation, which has placed immense burdens on Nigerian households, particularly in the North.
By addressing the high cost of petrol, a critical driver of economic hardship, Ojulari is demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Northern Renaissance Network is particularly encouraged by Ojulari’s acknowledgment of the challenges posed by fluctuating global oil prices and his determination to use revenues from oil and gas sales to sustain these projects.
His pragmatic approach, coupled with his promise that “we will continue from next month, and people will start witnessing the commencement of the project by God’s will,” inspires confidence in his leadership and vision for NNPCL.
We call on all stakeholders, including Northern communities, traditional leaders, and policymakers, to rally behind these projects. The Kolmani oil exploration and the AKK gas pipeline are not just energy initiatives; they are beacons of hope for economic emancipation and regional development.
We urge the Federal Government to provide support to ensure their timely completion, as delays in the past have hindered progress.
In conclusion, the Northern Renaissance Network assures Engr. Bayo Ojulari of our unflinching support for all initiatives that prioritize the development of Northern Nigeria and the prosperity of our great nation. We stand firmly behind his leadership and pledge to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, the AKK gas pipeline, and other efforts that will uplift our people.
Signed:
Theo Abuh Agada
Spokesman.