The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has pledged federal support for Bauchi’s new N6.7 billion Oil and Gas Academy project.
Speaking at the groundbreaking in Alkaleri Local Government, Lokpobiri said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic growth agenda as oil drilling resumes at the Kolmani oil field.
He described the academy as a vital pipeline for skilled manpower and promised swift certification approvals to facilitate smooth training and operations when the institution becomes fully operational.
The project includes modern classrooms, an ICT hub, a clinic, library, cafeteria, administration block, and perimeter fencing, with completion expected within the next two years.
Lokpobiri urged youths and women from Bauchi and Gombe states to embrace the opportunity, stressing that a technically equipped workforce is key for Kolmani’s oil sector growth.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, highlighting that the academy will position the state within Nigeria’s thriving oil and gas value chain.
Mohammed appealed for further investment in technical and vocational training, particularly targeting youths and women, to maximise service delivery in Kolmani and other oil industry opportunities.
He explained that establishing the academy was inspired by recent commercial oil discoveries, commending President Tinubu’s administration for its commitment in funding the strategic project.
State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello, pledged diligent supervision of the project to ensure all work complies with contract standards and delivers long-term economic value.
The academy is seen as a landmark investment, set to fast-track job creation, local content growth, and regional development across Bauchi, Gombe, and Nigeria’s Northeast oil corridor.
