Energy
NNPC Shares Updates On Oil Exploration In Northern Nigeria
. . . Pledges Support For FG’s Ambition In Frontier Regions
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has provided updates on its crude oil exploration activities in the Northern part of the country, reiterating its commitment to achieving the Federal Government’s aspirations in the frontier basins.
“The company has been actively drilling in basins in and around Northern Nigeria, as a result of the need to increase oil exploration in the country’s frontier basins”.
This was contained in a publication authored by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, who noted that “this is a strategic engagement that NNPC Ltd will not compromise on.”
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Soneye pointed out that the NNPC Ltd was intensifying patriotic efforts, making significant progress, and advancing considerable prospects to make do its promises to Nigerians.
Soneye, added that the discovery and exploration of crude oil in the north will not only appear as a dream pursued, but as an economic reality to boost oil production as well as deepen the strength and efficiency of the petroleum industry value chain in Nigeria.
He said: “NNPC Ltd, in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, is leaving no stone unturned to continue oil drilling projects in the North after decades of exploration in other basins.
“With crude oil reserves of more than 37 billion barrels and the 6th largest world producer, the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani River II Well on the Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Basin, in the north eastern part of the country will only accentuate the prosperity and growth of Nigeria in the comity of nations.
“It is therefore untrue for naysayers or sceptics to claim that NNPC has halted the search for oil in Nigeria’s inland basins. On the contrary, NNPC Ltd is intensifying its patriotic efforts, making significant progress, and advancing considerable prospects to make do its promises no matter whose ox is gored.”
While stating that the NNPC Ltd would not suspend its inland basins oil and gas exploration activities, as some have suggested, he quipped that “Instead, the company is intensifying efforts to expedite the process and ensure the efficient exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in these areas, thereby contributing to national energy security
The NNPC Ltd has assured that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, oil exploration in the northern of the country is on course.
Soneye made this clarification in a recent publication noting that the company in compliance with the PIA 2021, is leaving no stone unturned to continue oil drilling projects in the North after decades of exploration in the South.
He emphasized that the company is currently active in the inland basins of Nigeria with some drilling projects including Wadi-2 Appraisal/Exploratory Well in OPL 732 and Ebenyi-1 Exploration Well in OPL 826.
According to him, the Wadi-2 Appraisal/Exploratory Well in OPL 732 in Borno State, within the Chad Basin, was spudded on November 4, 2023, and drilled to a total depth of 12,050 feet.
He noted that the drilling phase concluded on June 29, 2024 and the preliminary results from the geological evaluation of the well objectives led to post-drilling well testing, which began on July 4, 2024, and is ongoing.
“This testing aims to further evaluate the target reservoirs for the occurrence of a commercial accumulation of hydrocarbons and to obtain data for future field development,” he stated.
On Ebenyi-1 Exploration Well in OPL 826, which is situated in Nasarawa State within the Middle Benue Trough, drilling began on July 17, 2023.
“The 17½” hole section was drilled and cased to a depth of 3,449 feet. The drilling operations faced challenges due to issues with the hole and equipment breakdowns. The turnkey contractor is finalizing plans to replace the drilling equipment with newer models to continue drilling operations to the planned total depth of 14,250 feet”, Soneye stated.
On the Kolmani River where in 2019 1 billion barrels of oil reserves and 500 billion cubic feet of gas was discovered, Soneye said the defunct Frontier Exploration Services (FES) of NNPC Ltd drilled three wells—Kolmani River-2, Kolmani River-3, and Kolmani River-4—in the Upper Benue Trough (northeast Nigeria) on its and its partners behalf.
He said the drilling campaign confirmed the presence of commercial hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani field of OPLs 809 and 810.
He noted that the rig that drilled the wells was subsequently moved to start the Nasarawa project, with the goal of replicating the success achieved in the Kolmani field.
“In collaboration with co-venturers, we are working towards the next phase of field development. The post-exploration planning takes time to meet regulatory requirements before the development phase can commence. Significant infrastructure projects are currently underway to facilitate the movement of heavy-duty equipment for the next project phase in the area.
“NNPC Ltd has not and will not suspend its inland basins oil and gas exploration activities, as some have suggested. Instead, the company is intensifying efforts to expedite the process and ensure the efficient exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in these areas, thereby contributing to national energy security”, Soneye stated.
The NNPC Ltd. spokesman said the current leadership of the company is committed to addressing every gap within its purview including infrastructural issues associated with the oil and gas industry such as gas shortages for power supply, pipeline protection and maintaining the uninterrupted provision of petroleum products across the country.
“For clarity, the NNPC Ltd, under the chairmanship of Chief Pius Akinyelure and managerial leadership of Mele Kyari, is well-positioned to capture the economic opportunities associated with developing and selling hydrocarbons in a resource rich country like Nigeria. These benefits are to be equitably distributed across society and create wealth for human capital development and capacity building.
“It is to further achieve this sufficiency that, under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC Ltd is fully aligned with the federal government’s ambition to accelerate economic growth and diversify the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“This is being achieved through timely, credible, clear, and consistent policies. Since taking charge in July 2019, he has driven significant organizational renewal and greatly improved NNPC’s performance and long-term viability. The board and Kyari have been the driving force behind ambitious business growth and have instilled a new commercial mindset throughout the company’s entire value chain”, Soneye said.
He said Kyari’s leadership style has revitalized NNPC Ltd. workforce even as the company continues to attract the interest of business partners, customers, suppliers, and shareholders noting that since its transition to a commercial entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and in line with the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA) provisions, NNPC Ltd. has consistently delivered value despite its unique operational challenges
Soneye said in addition to thus, the company hsd maintained steady growth.
“For the first time in 43 years, NNPC declared a profit. From a loss of N803 billion in 2018, the company reduced this to just N1.7 billion in 2019. Remarkably, in 2020, NNPC posted its first-ever profit of N287 billion, which grew to N674.1 billion in 2021, and by the end of 2022, it had soared to N2.548 trillion.
“In our 2023 Audited Financial Statement, AFS, we declared a net profit of N3.297 trillion for the fiscal year, indicating an increase of 28 percent (over N700 billion) compared to the N2.548 trillion recorded in 2022. The N3.297 trillion profit declared for 2023 is very symbolic as it is the highest ever to be recorded since inception, 46 years ago.
“In terms of asset growth, we have moved from N13,300 billion in 2019 to N15,836 billion in 2020; N16,262 billion in 2021; N58,652 billion in 2022; and N246,816 billion, in 2023,” the NNPC spokesman said.
He added that NNPC Ltd. will continue exploration in the north so that it can sustain this type of excellent financial performance and gains for its investors and Nigerians at large noting that “the more strategic explorations we make, the better for all of us.”
With the commercial bid conference for the 2025 Licensing Round, a major step in the allocation of 50 oil and gas blocks to qualified investors, billed for Tuesday July 21, 2026, over 143 companies are poised to slug it out for allocations.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revealed that only companies which successfully passed the technical and prequalification stages of the exercise have been invited to attend the event, scheduled for the Conference Centre of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Biztellers reports that attendance is strictly by invitation.
The commercial bid conference is expected to determine the successful bidders for oil and gas assets spread across several producing and frontier basins in Nigeria.
The 50 blocks on offer comprise 16 onshore blocks in the Niger Delta, 18 shallow water blocks in the Niger Delta, one deep offshore block, three onshore blocks in the Benin Basin, four in the Anambra Basin, four in the Chad Basin and four in the Benue Trough.
According to the commission, the winning bids will be determined through a transparent evaluation process based on clearly defined commercial parameters. These include the signature bonus offered by bidders, the proposed work programme commitment and the level of performance security provided. The final selection will be based on a weighted technical and commercial score.
The licensing round is being conducted under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which requires a transparent and competitive process for the award of petroleum assets.
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The NUPRC had announced the commencement of the 2025 Licensing Round on November 11, 2025, before opening the online bid portal on December 1, 2025, to enable interested companies register and participate in the exercise.
To ensure prospective investors fully understood the requirements, the commission organised a pre-bid conference on January 14, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The event provided detailed explanations on the licensing guidelines and bidding procedures to registered participants and other stakeholders.
Registration and submission of prequalification documents closed on February 27, 2026, while the prequalification evaluation was completed on March 16, 2026.
The NUPRC disclosed that 286 companies initially submitted applications for prequalification.
Following the evaluation process, 196 companies were cleared to participate in the technical and commercial bid stages.
Out of the prequalified firms, 143 companies eventually submitted a total of 200 bids for the available oil and gas blocks. These companies are now set to compete at the commercial bid conference, where the financial offers will be opened and evaluated to determine the eventual winners.
The licensing round is expected to attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, boost exploration activities across both producing and frontier basins, increase crude oil and gas reserves, and support the country’s drive to grow production and government revenue. It also underscores the regulator’s commitment to implementing a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly licensing regime under the PIA.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has advised the newly awarded holders of Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) to focus on developing their assets as quickly as possible and engaging responsibly with host communities in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, gave the charge during the signing ceremony of the second batch of winners of the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round and the 2024 Licensing Round.
According to Eyesan, licence holders must prioritise host community obligations in order to succeed.
“As licencees, you are expected to execute your approved work programmes diligently, honour your financial commitments, comply fully with the provisions of the PIA, the applicable regulations and these contractual documents.
“The Commission equally expects the highest standards of health, safety, environmental protection and responsible engagement with host communities,” the NUPRC boss said.
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In a statement by NUPRC’s Head, Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the NUPRC boss said the licensees awarded under the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round and the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round are expected to stimulate exploration activities, attract additional investment, accelerate the development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s energy security and economic development.
These objectives, she said, are closely aligned with the Federal Government’s strategic aspiration to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027, while positioning the country to achieve a long-term production target of 3 million barrels per day by 2030.
Asharami Energy Limited (AEL), Sahara’s upstream Exploration and Production business, through its subsidiary, Enageed Resources Limited (ERL), has achieved 6 million Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free man-hours in its OML-148 operations.
A company statement made available to Biztellers describes the achievement as “reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and safety leadership as Sahara Upstream targets 350,000 barrels of oil per day by 2030”.
It added that the LTI is a key indicator for workplace injuries that result in time away from work. The milestone reflects Asharami Energy’s ability to execute complex operations safely, in line with Sahara’s Beyond XXX vision, which builds on its 30-year legacy of responsible enterprise while marking its next chapter of impact, innovation and sustainable growth.
Leste Aihevba, Chief Technical Officer, Asharami Energy, said: “Operational excellence begins with protecting our people, stakeholders, and communities. As we advance towards producing 350,000 barrels of oil per day, this culture will remain fundamental to how we safely deliver projects, increase production, and bring energy to life responsibly.”
He added: “Each LTI-free man-hour represents thousands of safe decisions, disciplined actions, and shared accountability in pursuit of our Goal Zero safety culture. That culture will continue to guide our journey as we unlock new growth opportunities. Zero is Possible.”
Representing the PSC partners, Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Vincent Uwadileke, Asset Manager PSC Asset B, congratulated ERL, describing the achievement as a testament to discipline, vigilance, and HSSE excellence. He urged the team to build on the milestone and strive towards 7 million LTI-free man-hours next year.
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Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, described the achievement as proof of Sahara’s safety-first transformation agenda. “At Sahara, sustainable growth can only be achieved when safety is embedded in every decision, process, and operation. Reaching 6 million LTI-free man-hours demonstrates the strength of our safety culture and operational discipline.”
Odunsi commended employees, contractors, regulators, host communities, and partners. “This didn’t happen by accident; it happened because every single day, people chose to do things the right and safer way. That must remain our standard because everything else is built on safety,” he added.
The event featured the unveiling of the Six Million Man-Hours LTI-Free Safety Plaque, led by Temitope Shonubi, Adedeji Odunsi and Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Directors of Sahara, alongside NUIMS representatives Vincent Uwadileke and Jeffery Jaiyeola, Deputy Asset Manager (Technical) PSC Asset B, and Leste Aihevba.
Shonubi said: “The upstream business is unique. As you take out, you have less left, which is why our responsibility is not just to produce, but to do so safely and sustainably. We must move from technical production to being techno-commercial, ensuring every investment creates sustainable value and is executed using HSSE best practices. The better days must always be ahead.”
Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara, highlighted communication’s role in sustaining safety culture. “Safety becomes truly impactful when it is understood, embraced, and practiced by everyone. At Sahara, consistent communication keeps safety top of mind, reinforces accountability, and helps transform safety from a requirement into a shared responsibility.”
The milestone reinforces Asharami Energy’s position as a responsible energy partner and Sahara’s commitment to safe, sustainable operations, with safety remaining a defining pillar of the Sahara’s Beyond XXX vision.
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