The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri at the weekend flagged off the construction of the permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA).
He disclosed that the initiative by the Bauchi State Government aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of human capacity development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
At the ceremony, Minister Lokpobiri highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to activate all available oil platforms to boost production, including renewing critical licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects.
He added: “Our objective is to make every productive oil platform count towards national growth,” reflecting the President’s broader vision to transform Nigeria’s energy sector into a driver of industrial growth, job creation, and increased national revenue.
The Minister, who commended Bauchi State’s proactive role, said the Academy represents a strategic investment in developing skilled manpower essential for the sector’s advancement.
He also acknowledged the Petroleum Technology Development Fund’s (PTDF) role in supporting technological progress and human capital, expressing hope for a strong partnership between PTDF and BOGAA to ensure program sustainability.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support on the release of N17 billion to fund oil exploration and the Academy’s construction, with N6 billion allocated specifically for the Academy.
He described the institution as a foundation for skill acquisition and innovation that will benefit Bauchi and Nigeria at large. The Governor also urged local communities to support the project to ensure timely completion.
