Exploration activities at the Kolmani Oil Field have been dormant for 16 months following the inauguration of exploration efforts by the presidency. According to reports from LEADERSHIP, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in collaboration with New Nigeria Development Company, commenced crude oil drilling at two oil blocks in the Kolmani Oil Field, namely OPL809 and OPL810, back in November 2022.
Initial projections estimated significant crude oil reserves in the Kolmani area, spanning across Bauchi and Gombe states, with approximately one billion barrels of crude oil and about 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The exploration efforts were anticipated to extend until 2060, with the Kolmani oil blocks expected to yield around 50,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
However, a resident of the Kolmani area, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that drilling activities at the site have been halted since the presidential inauguration, with little progress observed.
“Approximately a year ago, we witnessed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) relocating most of the drilling equipment to Nasarawa State, leaving Kolmani with minimal activity since then. Some equipment was even diverted to Lake Chad, further diminishing operations in the Kolmani area,” he emphasized.
“Out of the five oil wells in Kolmani, only about two have been developed. Additionally, the movement of heavy-duty machines led to the collapse of a bridge connecting Kolmani communities to the outside world,” he added.
“Recently, personnel from Sterling Global were observed attempting to repair the bridge, sparking hopes of resumed exploration activities. They have reinforced the bridge’s pillars, and as of now, a crane is actively lifting its beams,” he continued.
“In terms of security, proactive measures have been implemented at the Kolmani Oil Field. Teams from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerian Army are stationed to safeguard the area,” he highlighted.
“Despite these efforts, both the NNPCL and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources have not responded to inquiries regarding the abandonment of Kolmani oil exploration,” he noted.
“We Have Provided Enabling Environment For Smooth Operation – Bauchi Govt,” stated Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Bello Maiwada. “While crude oil exploration falls under the exclusive purview of the federal government, as a state, we actively engage with stakeholders to expedite exploration in Kolmani.”
“Although significant progress has yet to materialize since the commencement of drilling, the Bauchi State Government ensures an enabling environment for full-scale exploration,” he affirmed. “Adequate security measures have been implemented to guarantee the safety of personnel and equipment, allowing for seamless operations in the area.”
Kolmani Oil
Kolmani, located in Bauchi State, Nigeria, has gained attention due to its recent discovery of significant oil and gas reserves. Situated in the northeast region of the country, Kolmani has become a focal point for oil exploration activities, particularly with the inauguration of exploration efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partners.
President Muhammadu Buhari announced the commencement of oil exploration in Kolmani, highlighting the substantial investment of over $3 billion in the project. The discovery of more than 1 billion barrels of oil reserves and 500 billion cubic feet of gas in the Kolmani area has further elevated its importance in Nigeria’s energy sector.
This newfound prominence has also sparked debates and claims over ownership rights to the oil wells, with neighboring states like Gombe also asserting their interests. The Kolmani oil field, encompassing several exploration blocks, presents significant potential for further discoveries as exploration activities continue to intensify.
Overall, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in Kolmani signifies a major development in Nigeria’s energy landscape, offering substantial economic opportunities and potential for future growth in the region.
How long will Nigeria oil last?
Nigeria’s proven oil reserves are estimated to be equivalent to 237.3 times its annual consumption. In simpler terms, if Nigeria were to rely solely on its domestic oil production and consumption levels, there would be approximately 237 years’ worth of oil reserves remaining. This calculation excludes unproven reserves, focusing solely on proven reserves that are currently economically viable for extraction.
This statistic highlights Nigeria’s significant oil wealth and the potential longevity of its oil industry, provided that consumption rates remain consistent and new reserves are not discovered or developed. However, it’s essential to note that actual oil reserves can be influenced by various factors, including changes in technology, exploration efforts, geopolitical dynamics, and shifts in global oil demand.
Overall, while Nigeria’s substantial proven oil reserves offer long-term potential for its oil industry, the country must continue to invest in sustainable development practices, diversify its economy, and adapt to changing global energy trends to ensure long-term prosperity and energy security.
Who was the first company to discover oil in Nigeria?
The Oloibiri Oilfield, discovered on January 15, 1956, by Shell Darcy, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history as it was the country’s first commercial oil discovery. Prior to this discovery, Nigeria had experienced fifty years of unsuccessful oil exploration efforts by various international oil companies.
The discovery of the Oloibiri Oilfield catapulted Nigeria into the global spotlight as a significant player in the petroleum industry, earning the nation the status of a Petro-State. This term refers to countries whose economies are heavily reliant on revenue generated from oil exports.
The exploitation of the Oloibiri Oilfield and subsequent discoveries of oil reserves across Nigeria transformed the country’s economic landscape, leading to rapid industrialization and urbanization. The revenue generated from oil exports became a vital source of income for the Nigerian government, funding infrastructure development, social programs, and other initiatives.
However, while the discovery of the Oloibiri Oilfield brought economic opportunities, it also presented challenges such as environmental degradation, socio-economic disparities, and over-dependence on oil revenue. Over the years, Nigeria has grappled with issues such as oil spills, pollution, and corruption within its oil industry.
Despite these challenges, the Oloibiri Oilfield remains a significant landmark in Nigeria’s history, symbolizing the country’s entry into the global oil market and its journey towards economic development and prosperity.
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