The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has announced that the company will soon resume oil drilling activities in the northern region of Nigeria, particularly in Kolmani and other designated sites.
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Ojulari made this known in an interview with BBC News Hausa on Monday, signaling a major revival of the Kolmani oil project, which was first inaugurated in November 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Bauchi–Gombe state border but later suspended for unspecified reasons.
“We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other places. After that, we will also complete the gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano,” Ojulari said, reassuring northern communities of the NNPC’s renewed commitment to transforming the region into an economically active oil zone.
According to him, the resumption of oil activities will stimulate industrial revival, open up job opportunities, and attract investments. “This will bring benefits to the region, which will lead to everyone benefiting because wealth will increase. Therefore, we must return and continue this project,” he stated.
Recall that in early 2023, the NNPCL also announced plans to begin crude exploration in Nasarawa State. However, the project has remained stalled, sparking demands for clarity from both stakeholders and citizens.
Ojulari, who hails from the northern region himself, also addressed concerns over his appointment, stating that his leadership would prioritize national unity and progress, and called on Nigerians to support and pray for his success.
In a significant policy shift, Ojulari disclosed that the NNPC under his leadership has begun mending relations with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The two energy giants had been in competition, particularly over crude oil supply, leading to a breakdown in their naira-for-crude exchange arrangement earlier this year.
“We sat down and talked about the conflict. From now on, we will work together to achieve progress… there will be no more disputes between NNPC and Dangote Refinery. We will join hands for the benefit of Nigeria,” Ojulari assured.
He described Aliko Dangote’s conciliatory efforts as commendable and emphasized the need for synergy between the state-owned and private sectors to ensure energy security and fuel availability across the country.
On national revenue, Ojulari highlighted that falling global crude prices have significantly affected Nigeria’s earnings, deviating from earlier budget projections.
“The budget was drawn with the prediction that if oil were sold, money would be available for national development. Now, we are focused on cutting operational costs in the oil and gas sector to ensure profitability,” he explained.
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