13-05-2025
NNPC to resume crude oil drilling in northern Nigeria, confirms peace with Dangote refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced plans to resume crude oil drilling in northern Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is resuming crude oil drilling in northern Nigeria.
The site is estimated to hold over one billion barrels of crude oil and 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Collaboration with companies, including the resolution of disputes with Dangote Group, is expected to enhance the project's success and impact.
According to the company's new Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, the Kolmani drilling project, located on the boundary between Bauchi and Gombe states, is expected to deliver significant benefits to Nigerians once completed.
' NNPC will continue oil drilling in the Kolmani field and will continue the work on the AKK gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kaduna to Kano. The companies working on the projects will continue, and new ones are also welcome," he said.
'The projects are critical in boosting the economy, and the impact will be felt by all Nigerians. By next month, people will begin to see. We will start work on the AKK gas pipeline and the Kalmoni. '
Oil discovery in the north
In 2019, NNPC announced the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits at the Kolmani River II Well, located in the Upper Benue Trough within the Gongola Basin in the country's northeast.
This marked the first major oil find in Northern Nigeria and laid the foundation for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a strategic initiative to harness the region's hydrocarbon potential.
By 2022, the government launched commercial oil drilling in the area. Authorities said the project was expected to attract foreign investment and generate employment for local communities.
The site is estimated to hold over one billion barrels of crude oil and 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas, with investment commitments already totalling $3 billion.
Dangote, NNPCL resolve feud
The relationship between Dangote Group and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been tense in recent years, largely due to disagreements over issues such as the controversial Naira-for-Crude deal, which faced inconsistencies under previous NNPCL leadership.
However, according to Mr. Ojulari, the rift has now been resolved.
' We, as Nigerians, must hail Dangote's courageous efforts. Whatever he is investing, he is doing it in Africa. We have addressed the feud between the NNPC and the Dangote Refinery. Very soon, people will start seeing the impact."
