By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, the minister urged Nigerian youths to seize the opportunity to acquire skills that would make them competitive in the global energy sector.
Lokpobiri, who represented the Federal Government, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for his foresight in establishing the academy.
He dismissed fears that the global push for energy transition would render oil and gas obsolete, asserting that fossil fuels would remain the dominant energy source for decades to come.
“Despite the global campaign for energy transition, oil and gas will not disappear,” Lokpobiri stated. “Many believe investment in the sector should decline, but the reality is different.
No nation is reducing its oil and gas investments—America remains the largest producer. The Paris Agreement focuses on reducing CO2 emissions, not halting oil exploration. Therefore, Bauchi’s decision to invest in this academy is visionary.”
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s continued reliance on oil and gas for energy security, not just domestically but across West Africa and the continent.
He revealed that upon assuming office, he discovered that the oil licences for the Kolmani field had expired, stalling progress. However, after consultations with President Tinubu, the licences were promptly renewed, paving the way for renewed exploration activities.
“I call on the youth to take ownership of this project,” Lokpobiri urged. “The Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy will be pivotal in supplying skilled manpower for the industry, especially as the Federal Government intensifies exploration in the Kolmani Basin.”
Governor Bala Mohammed, in his remarks, explained that the academy was conceived following the historic discovery of oil in Kolmani. He described it as a strategic move to prepare Bauchi’s youth for opportunities in the evolving energy sector.
“This initiative was born out of a desire to equip our young people with the skills needed to thrive in the oil and gas industry,” the governor said. “Today’s ceremony marks a significant step in our commitment to energy-driven development, leveraging Bauchi’s position in the Kolmani Oil Prospect.”
Mohammed expressed gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari for his role in actualising the Kolmani project, which he described as a landmark achievement for Nigeria.
He also thanked the Federal Government and Senator Lokpobiri for their support, emphasising that the academy would serve as a centre of excellence in energy education.
“The minister’s presence and pledge of support reaffirm the strong partnership between Bauchi State and the Federal Government,” Mohammed added. “Together, we are working towards positioning Bauchi as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
The Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy is expected to provide technical training and industry-relevant skills, fostering local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign manpower in the sector.
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