The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has officially inaugurated the construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA) — a landmark project set to enhance technical expertise and workforce capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the Minister lauded the Bauchi State Government for its strategic foresight in establishing the institution, which he described as a timely contribution to the Federal Government’s push for human capital development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Driving National Growth Through Oil and Gas Development
Senator Lokpobiri noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to optimizing Nigeria’s vast energy resources for sustainable economic growth. He explained that this commitment was evident in the President’s approval of critical regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects, a move designed to activate dormant oil platforms and increase national crude oil production.
“Our objective is to ensure that every productive oil platform contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic expansion,” Lokpobiri stated.
Harnessing Energy Potential for Industrial Growth
The Minister emphasized the Federal Government’s broader agenda to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape into a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and increased national revenue generation.
“The President is intentional about transforming our energy sector into one that fuels industrial growth, generates employment opportunities, and enhances our national revenue profile,” he added.
Bauchi State Aligns with National Energy Vision
Commending Bauchi State for aligning with the Federal Government’s energy reform initiatives, Lokpobiri described the establishment of BOGAA as a forward-thinking step that positions the State as an active participant in Nigeria’s evolving energy narrative.
He further highlighted the importance of building local expertise to manage the country’s abundant fossil fuel resources sustainably, urging for collaboration between the Academy and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to ensure the long-term success and relevance of its programs.
State Government Reiterates Commitment
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its unwavering support and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to the Academy’s success.
The Governor noted that the Academy would play a pivotal role in empowering young Nigerians with critical skills required to thrive in the oil, gas, and broader energy industries.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to reposition its oil and gas sector as a cornerstone of economic diversification, the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy stands poised to serve as a vital training ground for the next generation of industry professionals.
