RMAFC Urges FG To Resume Kolmani Oil Exploration

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is advocating for the resumption of oil exploration activities at the Kolmani oil field, located between Bauchi and Gombe states, to boost revenue generation for the Federation.

RMAFC Chairman Muhammad Shehu stated this during an oversight visit to the project site. He said the Commission had assessed the situation and would submit its findings to President Bola Tinubu, with a key recommendation being the need to remobilise to the site and resume work.

“Our whole aim is that Nigeria should rededicate its efforts to make sure that assets like this are fully exploited and turned into revenue, not only for the Federation but also for the people of Bauchi and Gombe states, the North-East region and, especially, the host communities,” Shehu said.

He recalled the excitement with which Nigerians welcomed the project when it was initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing hope that it would receive due consideration from the Federal Government.

“We believe that Mr President is a listening President. He had assured the two governors that he would resume exploration and make sure that this investment is well exploited so that it can generate revenue.

“Part of the advocacy of the Commission is to document what we see and advise him on how best to increase accruals to the Federation Account for onward sharing among the three tiers of government,” he added.

Leading the state delegation, the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Bello, recalled that activities resumed at the site between January and June 2025 before the company operating the project demobilised its rigs around July of the same year.

He said Governor Bala Mohammed subsequently raised the matter with President Tinubu alongside other North-East governors, adding that the state government remained hopeful that the RMAFC visit would inject renewed momentum into the project.

The delegation inspected one of the oil wells and other facilities at the Kolmani site, as well as ongoing construction work at the permanent site of the Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri.

The Commission commended Governor Mohammed for his foresight in establishing the institute.

The RMAFC Federal Commissioner representing Bauchi State, Hajiya Amina Gamawa, said the Federal Government’s funding of the training institute linked to the project demonstrated President Tinubu’s interest in ensuring that the project takes off and creates opportunities for the people.

She assured that RMAFC would continue to follow up on developments surrounding the project.