The Federal Government has commenced construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA), as part of broader efforts to boost human capital development within Nigeria’s energy sector.

The project was flagged off by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who described the development as a strategic move aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s push to increase productivity across all viable oil platforms in the country.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, highlighted the administration’s determination to unlock the full potential of the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects, which have received the President’s backing through the issuance of key regulatory licences.

“Our objective is to make every productive oil platform count towards national growth,” Senator Lokpobiri said during the ceremony. He added that President Tinubu remained focused on transforming the energy sector into a driver of industrial expansion, employment creation and increased national revenue.

The Minister commended Bauchi State for taking a proactive role in national energy development, saying the establishment of BOGAA reflects a commitment to building local capacity for the oil and gas sector.

“With this academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward,” he said.

He further emphasised the significance of local content in the management of Nigeria’s vast fossil fuel reserves, noting that a skilled domestic workforce is essential for long-term sustainability. He cited the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) as a key player in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation and expertise in the industry.

“PTDF has played a critical role in ensuring that our sector is not just productive but also future-ready,” Lokpobiri said, expressing hope that the new academy would collaborate with the PTDF to secure its long-term success.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s backing and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the success of the project.

“This institution will serve as a foundation for skill acquisition and innovation that will benefit not just Bauchi State but the entire nation,” the governor said.

The Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, once completed, is expected to serve as a key training hub for developing technical expertise in Nigeria’s growing oil and gas sector.