By Atoyebi Nike
May 13, 2025
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has announced that the state-owned energy giant is set to resume crude oil drilling activities in the northern region of the country.
Ojulari made this known during an interview on Monday, affirming that the Kolmani oil project, which spans Bauchi and Gombe states, will recommence under his leadership. This marks a significant move, over two years after former President Muhammadu Buhari launched the historic northern oil drilling venture that was later suspended without official explanation.
“We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other places,” Ojulari said. “After the oil drilling, we will also ensure that we complete the gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano.”
The renewed focus on oil and gas infrastructure, according to Ojulari, is not just about energy production but also about revitalizing regional economies. He noted that the completion of these projects would lead to the reopening of previously closed factories, the emergence of new businesses, and an overall economic boost in the region.
“This will bring benefits to the region, which will lead to everyone benefiting because wealth will increase. Therefore, we must return and continue this project,” he added.
Ojulari, who hails from the northern region himself, addressed public concerns about his appointment, calling for unity and support from Nigerians to help drive forward national energy goals.
In addition to the Kolmani site, Ojulari emphasized the importance of commencing drilling operations in Nasarawa State, which had been announced for March 2023 but remains stalled. His statement rekindled hopes among many who had grown disillusioned with the fate of northern oil exploration.
On another front, Ojulari also revealed that he is working to mend the fractured relationship between the NNPCL and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The two entities had been at odds, particularly over crude supply arrangements, leading to a suspension of the naira-for-crude agreement under the previous NNPCL leadership.
Acknowledging the prior tensions, Ojulari said, “We sat down and talked about the conflict. From now on, we will work together to achieve progress as needed, so that people who seek fuel at filling stations can get it when they want it.”
He praised Aliko Dangote’s initiative to bridge the gap and pledged that both institutions would now collaborate for the benefit of Nigerians, ensuring stable fuel supply and national energy security.
Ojulari also addressed the economic challenges facing Nigeria due to global oil price volatility. He pointed out that the country has not been receiving projected revenues due to a crash in crude prices but noted that efforts are being intensified to lower operational costs in the oil sector.
“If we can reduce the operation costs, it is possible that the income we will get from selling oil and gas will be enough for us,” he stated.
The announcement has stirred cautious optimism across the country, particularly in the North, where expectations are high that renewed exploration efforts will spur development, create jobs, and integrate the region more deeply into Nigeria’s energy economy.
