President Buhari’s projects
History will be kind to President Muhammadu Buhari. While 2015 till date has been really tough on Nigerians generally, the president has delivered on major legacy infrastructure projects. These projects will yield immense benefits in the decades ahead. There are several of them, but will list a few major ones. First, the second Niger bridge – a 200 billion Naira massive project with a main bridge across river Niger, and an adjoing 10km of a six-lane expressway. Second, the Lagos – Ibadan rail link, which is part of a focused improvement of rail infrastructure. Thirdly, the over 8000km of roads (Additional thanks to Babatunde Fashola) including the Lagos – Ibadan highway. The upgrade of Nigeria’s electricity transmission substations and lines all over the country. The much criticised social investment programme, and now the first oil drills in Northern Nigeria – the Kolmani oil fields.
The Kolmani oil fields
The Kolmani oil fields (OPL 809 and 810) is located in a boundary area between Bauchi and Gombe states. It is said to have an estimated capacity to produce 1 billion barrels. If the drills really turn out to be this productive, it will be a significant addition to Nigeria’s depleting 37 billion crude oil reserves.
The president will on 23rd of November 2022 flag off the project. Oil was discovered here in commercial quantities just two years ago. Buhari has walked the talk, and we must commend him. Others before him paid lip service and nothing else. The Kolmani oil fields will have positive knock-on effects on ongoing search for more oil deposits, and on the National economy (hopefully) in addition to the desperately needed more employment opportunities.
Conclusions
So, what happens next? According to some sources, the Kolmani oil fields will be developed by Sterling Global Oil, New Nigeria Development Commission and NNPC Limited. We hope they act with respect to the environment and to the oil-producing communities. Mistakes of the past should not be repeated.
We wish Bauchi and Gombe all the best of luck. And we hope (and pray) this will not bring the curse of environmental degradation or unending conflicts and agitations to the region – Amen!