…commends the joint venture on ramping up production
By Ogholi Oghogho Erica
The Federal Government’s commitment to increasing crude oil production is yielding results as the Abigail Joseph Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, operated by the NNPCL-First E&P Joint Venture on OML 83/85, actively works to boost its production capacity. During an inspection visit offshore Bayelsa, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., expressed commendation for the facility’s achievements and ambitious goals.
The FPSO is currently producing 60,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and is working towards achieving 70,000 bpd in the near term, with plans to ramp up to 100,000 bpd in the shortest possible time. Speaking during the visit, Senator Lokpobiri highlighted the strategic importance of this project, stating, “The ongoing work here reflects our collective efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude production. It is impressive to see such commitment from both NNPCL and First E&P, especially as First E&P has embarked on a 23-well drilling campaign to sustain and enhance production. This is a significant step towards achieving our national production targets.”
Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director and CEO of FIRST E&P Limited, reiterated the company’s dedication to optimizing production. “We are fully committed to meeting and surpassing our current production goals. With the support of our partners and ongoing de-bottlenecking initiatives, we are confident of achieving 70,000 bpd and subsequently reaching 100,000 bpd in record time. This project showcases the capability of indigenous companies to deliver on ambitious targets,” he said.
Mr. Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO) of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), assured the Minister of the company’s unwavering focus on meeting production objectives. “We are committed to the Minister’s directive to ramp up production. The milestones being achieved here at Abigail Joseph FPSO reflect the NNPCL’s determination to deliver results through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches. These targets will be met in no distant time,” Wunti assured.
Senator Lokpobiri further emphasized the value of joint ventures between NNPCL and indigenous companies, noting their vital role in driving growth within the oil sector. He encouraged other indigenous companies to seize opportunities provided by ongoing reforms to contribute to Nigeria’s energy objectives.
The Abigail Joseph FPSO serves as a beacon of progress in the nation’s oil sector, exemplifying the potential of collaboration and innovation in unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon wealth. With ongoing efforts and strategic investments, the NNPCL-FIRST E&P Joint Venture is poised to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil production capacity.