The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Monday said oil drilling will resume in the northern region next month. Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said oil drilling activities are due in the Kolmani field, located on the border of Bauchi and Gombe states.

Over $3 billion has been reportedly spent on exploring for oil in the northern region as successive governments pursue the course despite criticism. With the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a dedicated fund, which was estimated at about $400 million yearly, is now legally designed for such exploration.

Speaking during an interview on the BBC Hausa Service, Ojulari, who was appointed last month and praised as the right choice for overhaul of NNPC, said the government is on track with prospects for oil in the north.

Ojulari also said the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline remains a top priority for the company and the Federal Government, given its strategic importance to national economic growth.

“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.

He assured that both projects, which have been on hold, will resume in earnest by June, adding, “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 Kolmani, Insha Allah.”
Ojulari also disclosed that the company would work simultaneously with the Dangote Refinery.