The Pali Development Association, representing the host community of the Kolmani oilfield in Bauchi State, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive action towards resuming exploration activities at the site. The association expressed concern that the ongoing political climate, with the 2027 general elections approaching, may lead to the Kolmani oil exploration project being used merely as a campaign tool rather than a genuine economic initiative.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Hashim Pali, the chairman of the association, emphasized the need for the government to move beyond mere statements and verification visits. He highlighted that the community is eager for tangible progress and warned against being treated as an electoral audience. Pali stated, "We cannot continue to be treated as an electoral audience because we understand that it is an election period."

Pali recalled that during his presidential campaign in Gombe State, President Bola Tinubu made commitments regarding the continuation of the Kolmani oil exploration project. However, he lamented that since assuming office, the government has not only halted exploration activities but also evacuated all equipment from the site.

"Our expectation was that upon the assumption of President Bola Tinubu into office, his administration would sustain the momentum and ensure that the project proceeded towards actual exploration and production. But unfortunately, after the administration assumed office, rather than witnessing the expected continuation, the Kolmani site stopped," Pali noted, expressing frustration over the lack of progress over the past three years.

The chairman further questioned the timing of renewed government assurances, stating, "Why should the people of Bauchi and the North-East have to wait until another electoral season before hearing fresh assurances about a project that was already presented to them as a priority in 2023?"

Pali insisted that the Kolmani project should not be treated as an electoral slogan but as a strategic economic initiative capable of generating jobs, infrastructure, and revenue for the entire country. He urged President Tinubu and the Federal Government to demonstrate their commitment through immediate remobilisation of exploration activities and transparent timelines.

Echoing these sentiments, Jamilu Charanci, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups, also criticized the government for its failure to deliver on previous promises related to the Kolmani project. He stated that the people of the North-East deserve to see real economic benefits rather than being subjected to political rhetoric. Charanci remarked, "The North-East cannot afford to have its natural resources repeatedly turned into campaign slogans. If this government is serious, let the rigs return, let exploration commence, and let the people see the benefits—not another political promise recycled for electoral purposes."

The recent verification visit to the Kolmani oilfield by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), led by Chairman Muhammad Bello, was intended to assess the current state of the project and advocate for its continuation. Bello expressed the commission's commitment to facilitating the remobilisation of exploration activities, emphasizing the importance of the project to the region.

Bauchi State's Commissioner for Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello, confirmed that exploration activities at the Kolmani site had ceased around July 2025. He noted that the project is crucial not only for the host community but for Nigeria as a whole, and he reiterated that the government must act swiftly to revive it.

As the nation approaches another election cycle, the Pali Development Association and other stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to prioritize the Kolmani oilfield project and deliver on its promises to the people of Bauchi State and the North-East region.