In a significant development for Nigeria’s oil industry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its Joint Venture partner, Newcross Exploration and Production Ltd, have recommenced production from the Awoba field.
The Awoba field, which ceased production at the Bonny Terminal in 2021 and was ultimately closed down in February 2022 due to evacuation challenges and crude oil theft, is now back in operation. Currently, it is yielding an average of 8,000 barrels per day, with production expected to escalate to 12,000 barrels per day over the next 30 days.
NNPCL has emphasized that besides contributing to the nation’s oil output, the restart of the Awoba field on April 13, 2024, will significantly enhance gas supply to the power sector and other gas-dependent industries. This move aims to optimize production from Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources to bolster revenues and meet the country’s OPEC production targets.
Situated in the mangrove swamp south of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Awoba Unit spans OMLs 18 and 24 and falls under the management of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS).
This achievement adds to NNPC Ltd’s recent production milestones, including the revival of production at the Madu Field by the NNPC Ltd/First E&P JV. Moreover, the company successfully restarted production at OMLs 29 and 18 in late 2023, contributing a steady average of 60,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s overall production output since then.
Mele Kyari, NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, attributed this success to the conducive operating environment fostered by the administration led by President Bola Tinubu. He extended appreciation to all stakeholders, including staff, operators, host communities, government security agencies, and private security contractors, for their integral roles in achieving this feat.
