Kolmani Oil Field: Gombe and Bauchi Join Forces to Tackle Operational Issues with NEPL, AOML
Published: May 24, 2025
By Abdulwahab Muhammad BauchÃ
The Kolmani Oil Field, a beacon of hope for Northern Nigeria’s economic future, is once again in the spotlight—but this time for the right reasons. In a significant move toward transparency and accountability, officials from Gombe and Bauchi States met with the operators of the Kolmani field—NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and African Oil Movement Limited (AOML)—to iron out some pressing operational concerns.
The two-day meeting, held at the Government House in Gombe on May 21 and 22, brought together stakeholders who are determined to ensure that the oil field’s development aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and delivers real benefits to local communities.
Gombe State’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, revealed that the Joint Committee from both states identified four major areas of concern:
- Unresolved land acquisition issues
- Mishandling of the Freedom To Operate (FTO)
- AOML’s non-compliance with Community Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments
- Lack of clear communication channels between the operators and the host communities
In response, the committee rolled out a series of action points. First, land acquisition processes will move forward as soon as AOML provides all necessary payment documents. NEPL will also step in to ensure AOML pays outstanding FTO fees related to drilling operations.
On the CSR front, a detailed Needs Assessment will be conducted in both host and impacted communities. This will help shape more targeted and effective community projects that reflect real needs on the ground. Additionally, a structured communication protocol will be established to ensure smoother engagement between the oil field operators and stakeholders.
Participants at the meeting expressed appreciation for the joint efforts and the timely dialogue. More importantly, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to seeing the Kolmani project succeed—not just for profit, but for the long-term prosperity of the region.
For many, the Kolmani Oil Field isn’t just another energy venture—it symbolizes the long-awaited realization of Northern Nigeria’s oil and gas dream. With collaboration, accountability, and community at the core, that dream is steadily becoming a reality.
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