Kolmani oil field: Inuwa Yahaya seeks Tinubu’s intervention over delay in drilling

Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe state, says delay in the drilling activities at the Kolmani oil field has significant implications for the state and Nigeria.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in November 2022, flagged off the Kolmani integrated development project (KIPRO) situated in the boundary of Bauchi and Gombe states.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday, Yahaya expressed disappointment over the delay in the take-off of drilling activities in northern states, particularly at the Kolmani field site. 

Yahaya said due to issues with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the project’s partners, the take-off of the project has been delayed.

He said this is despite the project comprises a 250,000 capacity refinery, 350 megawatts (MW) power plant, and 2000 tons capacity fertiliser plant.

Yahaya expressed hope that with the intervention of Tinubu, the project will finally commence in earnest.

“The fact is part of the discussion I had with Mr. President, believing that once he steps in, maybe we will see activities back,” he said. 

“Due to the fact that petroleum and gas are under the exclusive list, there is nothing much we can do. 

“NNPC is the only company that is to handle anything gas or petroleum of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as such presidential intervention, which we just sought for, will really make things turn back and activities will resume on the site as soon as possible.”

Also, Yahaya expressed optimism about the president’s commitment to addressing the current economic situation and improving Nigeria’s position among developed nations.