Authorities in Nigeria’s Gombe State have moved to address concerns about the pause in oil and gas exploration at the Kolmani site, emphasizing that drilling operations remain active despite the relocation of some equipment. The clarification came after local communities raised alarms over the dismantling and movement of a drilling rig to another location outside Gombe and neighboring Bauchi State, sparking fears of stalled development in the region.
Sunusi Ahmad Pindiga, Gombe’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, led a joint delegation with officials from Bauchi State to the Kolmani project site following the outcry. During the visit, representatives from oilfield services company AOML and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) explained that the relocated rig had fulfilled its initial drilling mandate. “The smaller rig had completed over 10,000 meters of drilling and was being replaced by a larger one required for deeper exploration phases,” Pindiga stated, addressing community members’ apprehensions.
The inspection was triggered by reports of the rig’s removal, which officials said was part of planned operational upgrades. Pindiga noted that collaboration between Gombe and Bauchi was critical to maintaining transparency, given the project’s cross-border significance. Two completed wells already show oil deposits spanning both states, with three additional wells drilled on Gombe’s side and preparatory groundwork underway in Bauchi for expanded operations. “We’re transitioning to more advanced stages,” he added, underscoring the need for heavier machinery to access deeper reservoirs in wells designated as KR 2, KR 3, and KR 4.
The Kolmani project, located along the border of Nigeria’s northeast and north-central regions, has been touted as a landmark hydrocarbon discovery with potential economic benefits for both states. However, its progress has occasionally faced scrutiny from local stakeholders wary of delays. Pindiga reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping communities informed, stressing that the rig movement signaled progress, not abandonment. “Exploration is ongoing, and further developments will align with technical requirements,” he said.
With infrastructure upgrades in progress, the site is poised to advance into more complex drilling phases, though timelines for commercial production remain unclear. The joint delegation’s visit highlights efforts to balance operational demands with community trust, as authorities seek to transform the region into a hub for energy investment while addressing local concerns proactively.
