Global Reliance: How Oil and Gas Fuel the World Economy - Heineken

Heineken Lokpobiri, State Minister for Petroleum Resources, has remarked that oil and gas remain the key sources of wealth globally.

This was stated by Lokpobiri at the opening of the Oil and Gas Academy in Bauchi State's Alkaleri Local Government Area. He urged the people to invest in oil and gas energy capacity building, and that the future of energy security in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa still depends on oil and gas since it is a location where governments acquire money to accomplish infrastructural development and other essential things.

"I am fortunate to travel the world, and no nation is cutting back on investment in oil and gas," the minister said.

He said that Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy is a very significant institution that will protect manpower required to save the oil and gas in the state, as the Federal Government is reviewing its commitment to exploration in the Kolmani oil field.

"When I became minister, I became aware that Kolmani's license was blocked and had expired, but the company was powerless to take any action. One of your sons, Bala Wunti, approached me, and I met President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who gave me the go-ahead to renew all of the Kolmani project's licenses, which I did."

The Bauchi residents were encouraged to utilize the Oil and Gas Academy by the State Minister for Petroleum Resources.
He gave his word that the federal government will back Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir's plan to build the Oil and Gas Academy in the State's Alkaleri Local Government Area.

On his part, Governor Abdulkadir expressed his appreciation to the Minister of Bauchi State for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, located in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The governor said that the occasion marks a major milestone in their administration’s commitment to building capacity and promoting energy-driven development, especially given Bauchi’s strategic position in the Kolmani Oil Prospect.

He claimed that soon after the momentous oil discovery in Kolmani, the idea to build the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy was born. It was motivated by a strong desire to equip the youth of Bauchi for the countless opportunities and new difficulties that lie ahead in the rapidly changing energy sector.

“I remain profoundly grateful to former President Muhammadu Buhari for the pivotal role he played in making the Kolmani Oil Project a reality. It is a historic accomplishment for the country as a whole, not just for Bauchi State. I also want to thank the Federal Government and the Minister for their continued cooperation and unwavering support.

“This academy is envisioned as a centre of excellence in energy education—designed to equip our youths with the technical training and industry-ready skills they need to thrive in this sector. I am deeply encouraged by Lokpobiri’s gracious remarks and by his pledge of support for the development of the Kolmani Oil Field. Your presence and commitment reflect the strong partnership between our state and the Federal Government,” the governor said.