Government officials from Gombe and Bauchi States have held a two-day meeting with representatives of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and African Oil Movement Limited (AOML), the operators of the Kolmani Oil Field, to address and resolve operational concerns on the oil field.

A statement by the Gombe State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, said the high-level engagement, which took place at the Government House, Gombe, was convened to seek clarifications on several actions already undertaken by AOML and to correct observed lapses in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), in a bid to forestall issues that have plagued other oil-producing regions.

He disclosed that the Joint Committee representing the two states identified four critical areas of concern, including land acquisition, mishandling of Freedom To Operate (FTO), non compliance with Community Social Responsibility (CSR) by AOML and communication gap.

The commissioner added that to address the identified issues, the Joint Committee resolved that land acquisition will be finalised once AOML provides the necessary payment documentation, while NEPL will follow up with AOML on settling the FTO fees for drilling.

According to him, 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.”

“They also reaffirmed their hope that the long-awaited Northern oil and gas dream will finally be realized, bringing economic prosperity to the region,” Pindiga added.