Reporting by *The Punch* indicates that the Federal Government has initiated renewed high-level intervention strategies to restart oil exploration activities in the Kolmani field along the Gombe and Bauchi state borders. The move aims to overcome logistical delays, funding hurdles, and community-level alignment issues that previously stalled active drilling operations in the upper Benue Trough.
Validating reports from *ThisDay* detailed the joint venture consultations underway, quoting energy officials who emphasized that “unlocking oil production in the inland basins remains central to expanding national hydrocarbon reserves beyond the Niger Delta.” Concurrently, coverage by *The Cable* cited industry executives who noted that “securing private sector capital and establishing clear operational security guidelines will be pivotal to resuming drilling rigs at the Kolmani sites.”
Echotitbits take:
Reviving inland oil basins is vital for Nigeria’s long-term energy revenue goals, but investor confidence hinges on operational security and clear fiscal incentives. Expect the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to introduce revised financing frameworks to keep the project viable.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-moves-to-revive-stalled-kolmani-oil-exploration/?amp, August 25, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
