NNPC E&P Ltd, NOSL revive oil production in Akwa Ibom’s OML 13 after 29-year hiatus
…hit first oil, extract 6,000 bpd, target 40,000 bpd output by May 24
Oredola Adeola
Production activities have recommenced on the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13, in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, after a long dormancy following the closure of its main field Utapate in 1995.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) confirmed the extraction of 6,000 barrels of oil on Monday, May 6, 2024, promising a projected output of 40,000 barrels per day by Friday, May 24, 2024.
Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, made this known in a statement, obtained by Advisors Reports on Sunday.
Advisors Reports’ check showed that OML 13, encompassing three blocs (2001, 2002, and 2003) across a vast 1,923 sq km acreage, is home to the Utapate South and Ibibio fields, along with a cluster of operational marginal fields.
Meanwhile, the NNPCL in the statement confirmed that the field is managed by its flagship upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd.), and Natural Oilfield Services Ltd. (NOSL), a subsidiary of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd. (SEEPCO).
According to the statement, the first oil flow from OML 13 is a historic milestone in the partnership between NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL, highlighting their dedication to driving growth and development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which remains a vital component of the nation’s economy.
Soneye in the statement further emphasised that the achievement does not only signify the culmination of rigorous planning and execution by the teams involved but also represents a new era of economic empowerment and development opportunities for the host communities.
He said, “For Nigeria, the first oil from OML 13 holds some significance as it contributes to the country’s efforts to increase its oil production capacity, which is crucial for meeting domestic energy needs and driving economic growth.
The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer has therefore assured the commitment of the NNPC E&P Ltd. and NOSL partnership, to operate in a manner that is safe, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the local communities.
Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari, in December 2016, in a controversial move, revoked the oil blocks from the successful bidders of the 2007 round and transferred them to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).