We provide Instant breaking news alerts and information about the day's most talked-about stories around Nigeria, Africa and the world trending news.
Bauchi, Gombe pledge commitment to sustaining Kolmani project
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed and his Gombe State counterpart, Inuwa Yahaya on Tuesday pledged to work together to sustain the Kolmani River Oil Field project.
It was gathered that the Kolmani Integrated Development Project of Oil Prospecting Licences (OPLs) 809 and 810 at the Kolmani field is sited in Bauchi and Gombe States.
President Muhammadu Buhari performed the ground-breaking ceremony along with some top government officials including governors, ministers, captains of industry and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) officials among others in attendance on Tuesday.
According to reports, the NNPC Limited, in October 2019, announced the discovery of crude oil, gas and condensate in the Kolmani River.
The commercial quantity discovery was the first in the region after several crude oil explorations on the Upper Benue Trough.
The oilfield would be developed by Sterling Global Oil, New Nigeria Development Commission (NNDC) and NNPC Ltd.
In his remarks, Mohammed said despite the Kolmani River being the territorial demarcation of the borderline between the Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi and Akko LGA of Gombe, there was no conflict between them.
In his words, “The two states remain the same. Gombe was carved out of Bauchi. We are brothers and sisters in pain and prosperity.
“The discovery of oil in any of our communities will be for the benefit of us all. We are already investing in these areas to create a sense of belonging, government presence and reduce poverty and unemployment.
Related Posts
“We will continue to support the efforts and policies of the Federal Government to protect lives and property, and promote economic prosperity.”
He thanked President Buhari for graciously approving the award of the contract for the construction of the road leading to the project site.
Mohammed while stating that the contract was awarded some years back, but work was yet to commence on it, appealed to the President to kindly direct the commencement and completion of work on the dilapidated road without further delay.
When completed, he said, the road would assist in providing easy access for the investors, security, workers and the community.
He assured investors that investments would be safe and would yield positive returns to enlighten people on the importance of the project.
“We look forward to your active involvement in the state through Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) that directly touch the lives of your host communities and the people of Bauchi State at large,” he said.
On his part, Yahaya expressed the commitment of the local communities and traditional institutions and security agencies to a successful implementation of the milestone.
Yahaya promised to promote a friendly business environment for investors.
Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, expressed delight on the project, adding it would yield a positive impact.
