By Usman Walin Gungura, Bauchi
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed has received a prestigious award at the 2026 Nigerian Oil and Gas Forum and Award ceremony, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Presenting the award at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, the leader of the Forum, Nafisa Haruna Aliyu said Governor Bala Mohammed was selected for the award in view of his contribution to the development of oil and gas sector by establishing of the Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri as the first state-owned institution across the country.
Nafisa acknowledged the positive role of the state government towards actualizing the ongoing Kolmani oil exploration that goes along way in ensuring oil and energy sufficiency and creating employment opportunities among teeming positions.
Governor Bala Mohammed, who was represented at the occasion by the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Usman Shehu Usman, said the oil and gas sector remains vital to Nigeria’s economy, offering platforms for dialogue, innovation, policy alignment and strategic partnerships, saying “my administration is committed to complementing the efforts of relevant stakeholders to strengthen the sector”.
The Governor stated that under his leadership, Bauchi State is pursuing inclusive economic growth by harnessing natural resources, improving the investment climate and supporting private sector participation, particularly within the energy value chain.
He emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry lies in value addition, local content development, capacity building and a deliberate transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions for long-term national prosperity.
While appreciating and commending the organisers of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Forum for their foresight, he noted that the awards promote excellence, innovation and accountability across the oil and gas industry and its regulatory institutions.
The governor called for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players, regulators and host communities to build a resilient and inclusive energy sector. He, as well, congratulated all the award recipients for deserved recognition of their various contributions in the sector.
