In response to the northern states pushing for oil and gas exploration through the Frontier Exploration Fund, a new academy has been set up in Bauchi State, where the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited just revealed its plans to start exploration activities again.

For over thirty years, the northern region has sought to establish itself as an oil-producing area, with ongoing exploration efforts in Nasarawa, Borno, and the Gongola basin, which falls between Bauchi and Gombe.

To equip the workforce with the necessary skills for potential commercial oil operations, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, has officially inaugurated the construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA). This initiative, launched by the Bauchi State Government, is viewed as a pivotal move to bolster the Federal Government’s comprehensive human capital development strategy for the oil and gas sector.

Lokpobiri described this project as Nigeria’s effort to improve skills in the energy field. At the opening ceremony, the Minister praised the Academy as a timely answer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for better production on all suitable oil platforms.

Lokpobiri mentioned the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects and emphasized that a thriving energy sector relies not only on resource extraction but also on a capable workforce to oversee operations. He praised Bauchi State for its forward-thinking strategy, noting that the Academy positions the state as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s energy landscape. Lokpobiri also highlighted the crucial role of organizations like the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in preparing Nigerians for leadership roles in the energy field and expressed optimism for future partnerships between PTDF and the new Academy.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, emphasized the state’s commitment to the Academy’s success, calling it a hub for innovation and skill development with national impact.