President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the continuation of the Kolmani oil drilling project, a significant petroleum exploration initiative located between Bauchi and Gombe states in northern Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, through a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Nneamaka Okafo.

According to the statement, President Tinubu has directed the issuance of all remaining licenses necessary for the project to proceed. This move signals the federal government's commitment to expanding Nigeria's oil production capacity beyond the traditional Niger Delta region.

"The Nigerian government has already established an oil and gas research center in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State to ensure the sustainability and success of the project's continuation," Lokpobiri stated.

The Kolmani oil drilling project initially commenced in November 2022, marking a historic milestone as the first commercial oil discovery and exploration in northern Nigeria. The project is expected to boost the nation's oil reserves and create economic opportunities in the region.

This approval comes as part of the administration's efforts to diversify Nigeria's oil production capabilities and enhance energy security across different regions of the country.

Industry experts believe the continuation of the Kolmani project could potentially transform the economic landscape of northeastern Nigeria while contributing significantly to the nation's petroleum output.