Urges increased gas development
By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended ExxonMobil for sustaining 20 years of production at its ERHA Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, describing the achievement as a benchmark in Nigeria’s deepwater operations.
Ekpo was quoted as saying this on Thursday while receiving the Board of ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliate, ESSO Exploration and Production, led by its Chairman/Managing Director, Jagir Baxi, at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Towers, Abuja.
He said the two-decade operation reflects exceptional technical expertise, a strong safety culture, and consistent operational discipline in a challenging offshore environment.
“This milestone represents a remarkable demonstration of resilience, efficiency, and long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector,” the Minister said.
Ekpo noted that the ERHA project has significantly contributed to national revenue, job creation, and local capacity development, positioning it as a model for sustainable deepwater production.
As we grow oil output, equal emphasis must be placed on gas development to support domestic utilisation, exports, and revenue growth.
He, however, urged ExxonMobil to align its operations with Nigeria’s gas development priorities by integrating gas into offshore activities and to intensify efforts in gas development to boost domestic utilisation, exports, and revenue generation.
“As we grow oil output, equal emphasis must be placed on gas development to support domestic utilisation, exports, and revenue growth,” he stated.
The Minister also commended the company’s adherence to local content requirements, noting that over 95% of ERHA workforce are Nigerians with critical industry expertise.
He further reassured ExxonMobil of the Federal Government’s commitment to a stable investment climate, anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act.
Speaking, Baxi said the ERHA Deepwater project has, over 20 years, produced more than 800 million barrels of crude oil, generated over $70 billion in value, including about $23 billion to the Federal Government.
Baxi added that the project has driven job creation, strengthened national content, and also commended the Minister’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s gas development agenda.
