Kolmani oilfield host community urges action, not political promises
The Pali Development Association, representing the Kolmani oilfield host community in Bauchi State, has called on the Federal Government to take concrete steps towards restarting exploration activities. The association criticized the use of the oil project as a campaign tool ahead of upcoming elections. Hashim Pali, the association’s chairman, stressed the need for genuine commitment rather than repeated promises. Community leaders and regional groups echoed the demand for tangible progress and economic benefits from the project.
What we know
- Hashim Pali urged the government to move beyond statements and verification visits, calling for immediate remobilisation of exploration at Kolmani.
- The association warned against using the project as an electoral slogan, noting similar promises were made in 2022 and during Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign in Gombe State.
- Exploration activities at the Kolmani site reportedly stopped around July 2025, with equipment evacuated and no updates provided since then.
- The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, led by Muhammad Bello, conducted a verification visit and pledged to advocate for the project’s continuation.
- The Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello, recalled that work resumed between January 2025 and June 2025, but halted again around July 2025 following a directive from higher authorities.
