Officials from Gombe and Bauchi States, have held a two-day meeting with representatives of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited and African Oil Movement Limited, the operators of the Kolmani Oil Field, to address and resolve operational concerns in the oil field.
Our correspondent reports that the Kolmani oil field is co-owned by the two states.
The high-level engagement, which took place at the Government House Gombe between Wednesday and Thursday, was convened to seek clarifications on several actions already undertaken by AOML and to correct observed lapses in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, in a bid to forestall issues that have plagued other oil-producing regions.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli, made available on Saturday.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, in the statement, disclosed that the joint committee representing both Gombe and Bauchi States identified four critical areas of concern, including land acquisition, mishandling of FTO, non compliance with Community Social Responsibility by AOML and communication gap.
To address the identified issues, the Commissioner said, “the Joint Committee resolved that land acquisition will be finalized once AOML provides the necessary payment documentation, while NEPL will follow up with AOML on settling the Freedom To Operate fees for drilling.”
Also, a thorough Needs Assessment will be carried out in host and impacted communities to guide Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and a structured communication protocol will be established to ensure effective engagement between the Kolmani Oil Field operators and all stakeholders.
“Participants at the meeting expressed appreciation for the timely intervention and reiterated their collective commitment to ensuring that the Kolmani Oil Field project progresses in a manner that benefits all stakeholders and adheres to the law,” the statement partly read.
They also reaffirmed their hope that the long-awaited Northern oil and gas dream will finally be realised, bringing economic prosperity to the region.
