…says the academy strategic for driving human capacity development
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), says the construction of Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy Alkaleri, BOGAA, is strategic to driving human capacity development in the energy sector.
Mr Lokpobiri said this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, on Sunday in Abuja.
He spoke while flagging off the construction of the permanent site for the academy.
The minister lauded the move by the Bauchi state government, adding that it would contribute to Federal Government’s human capacity development in the sector.
He said that the imperative to activate all available oil platforms for increased production led President Bola Tinubu to grant approvals for the issuance of critical regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects.
He further highlighted Tinubu’s broader agenda to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s energy sector in driving economic prosperity.
“Our objective is to make every productive oil platform count towards national growth.
“Mr President is intentional about transforming our energy landscape into one that fuels industrial growth, creates jobs, and enhances national revenue,” he said.
The minister, while commending Bauchi State for aligning with this national vision, said that the establishment of the academy demonstrated the state’s forward-thinking approach to energy sector participation.
According to him, with this Academy, Bauchi is making a strategic contribution to the development of the human capital needed to drive our sector forward.
He also pointed to the abundant fossil fuel reserves within the country and stressed the importance of local capacity in managing and sustaining the sector.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, in supporting human capital and technological advancement.
“The PTDF has played a critical role in ensuring that our sector is not just productive but also future-ready,” he said.
He expressed hope that BOGAA would establish a strong partnership with the PTDF to ensure the success and sustainability of its programmes.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi state Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, thanked the Federal Government for its support and reiterated the state’s commitment to the academy’s success.
“This institution will serve as a foundation for skill acquisition and innovation that will benefit not just Bauchi State but the entire nation,” he said.
NAN
