Zulum Urges Tinubu to Revive Borno Oil Exploration as Kolmani Project Resumes

Zulum Urges Tinubu to Revive Borno Oil Exploration as Kolmani Project Resumes

Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Babagana Zulum has urged the Federal Government to revive oil exploration activities in the state, saying renewed development of the region’s hydrocarbon resources could complement ongoing security and reconstruction efforts.

Zulum made the call on Saturday at the 13th regular meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri, where he commended President Bola Tinubu for renewed efforts to revive exploration at the Kolmani oil field in Bauchi State.

The governor said the resumption of activities at Kolmani and renewed attention to oil prospects in the Lake Chad Basin could open a new chapter in the economic development of the North-East through job creation, infrastructure development, increased investment and expansion of the revenue base of states and communities.

The two-day meeting, which commenced on October 2 and ends October 3, brought together governors and representatives of the six North-East states to deliberate on security, economic integration, infrastructure and other issues affecting the region.

Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe attended the meeting, while the governors of Bauchi and Yobe states were represented by their deputies.

Zulum said, “We particularly welcome the renewed efforts towards reviving exploration activities at the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi State. The revival of this important project represents more than an investment in the oil and gas sector; it offers an opportunity to unlock new economic possibilities, create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and broaden the revenue base of our states and communities.”

He, however, argued that the renewed momentum should not stop at Kolmani, urging the Federal Government to return to oil exploration projects previously commenced in Borno State.

“In the same spirit, we respectfully urge the Federal Government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State,” the governor said.

According to him, responsible exploration and development of the region’s natural resources could strengthen local economies while complementing efforts to rebuild communities affected by years of insecurity.

“Responsible exploration and development of our natural resources can complement ongoing reconstruction efforts, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for our rapidly growing population,” Zulum said.

The governor linked the development of the region’s natural resources to the broader need to diversify the North-East’s economy, stressing that increased economic activity and employment opportunities were essential to sustainable development.

The call comes as the Federal Government renews attention to the Kolmani oil and gas development project, which straddles Bauchi and Gombe states and has long been regarded as a potential catalyst for the economic transformation of the North-East.

For Borno, renewed exploration also carries particular significance because of the state’s proximity to the Lake Chad Basin, an area with longstanding interest in hydrocarbon prospects. Previous exploration efforts in parts of the state, including Magumeri and Gubio, were stalled, with insecurity and other operational challenges complicating economic activity across the region.

Zulum’s appeal therefore places the development of the North-East’s oil prospects within a wider regional strategy in which security, reconstruction, infrastructure and economic diversification are closely linked.

Also speaking at the meeting, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted what he described as achievements recorded by the North-East Governors’ Forum since its establishment, including the creation of the North-East Education Council.

Yahaya said the states had also adopted different approaches to addressing the challenges of Almajiri education and out-of-school children.

“Our states are addressing the Almajiri and out-of-school children challenge through practical models, from Borno’s Tsangaya Commission to Taraba’s Almajiri Model Education Centres and our own Integrated Almajiri Education Centres in Gombe,” he said.

He added that the region’s commissioners of health had established a regional health platform in 2024 to improve cooperation, responsiveness and the sharing of best practices among the states.

The forum is expected to issue a communiqué at the end of the meeting containing decisions and recommendations on security, economic integration, infrastructure development and other regional priorities.

Among the dignitaries at the meeting were Borno Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur; APC governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio and his running mate, Ali Isa Abdullahi; APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori; and Borno APC Chairman Bello Ayuba.

Members of traditional councils from across the region also attended, led by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.