Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has commended the operational efficiency and technological innovation at ExxonMobil’s Erha Floating Production, Storage and Offloading, FPSO facility, describing it as a model of excellence in the nation’s offshore oil production landscape.
Lokpobiri, who stated this after visiting the Erha FPSO, said such platforms serve as vital indicators of Nigeria’s progress in achieving efficiency, transparency, and sustainable growth across the energy sector.
“Visiting platforms allows me to see firsthand how our energy industry is faring, identifying areas that require attention and assessing the progress of our policies as they align with the technical expertise of operators,” the Minister stated in a post on X.
“These visits provide a clear understanding of how collaborative efforts between government and industry players continue to advance the objectives of efficiency, transparency, and sustainable growth within our energy sector.”
Erha FPSO Produces 75,000 Barrels Daily
Operated by ExxonMobil, the Erha FPSO currently maintains a steady production capacity of 75,000 barrels per day, reflecting what the Minister described as “operational excellence and a strong commitment to safety within Nigeria’s offshore environment.”
Lokpobiri praised the company’s technological standards and adherence to global best practices, noting that such operational efficiency reinforces Nigeria’s position as a viable destination for sustained energy investments.
“The Erha facility exemplifies progress. With a steady production capacity of 75,000 barrels per day, it showcases operational excellence, technological innovation, and a strong commitment to safety within our offshore environment,” he said.
ExxonMobil Reaffirms Confidence in Nigeria’s Energy Reforms
During the visit, ExxonMobil officials briefed the Minister on the company’s activities, including progress on the Owowo Field and other contiguous fields. Lokpobiri disclosed that the company expressed confidence in Nigeria’s investment climate, attributing this to the Federal Government’s ongoing policy reforms and strategic efforts to attract and retain investors.
“Receiving updates on the progress the company has made in relation with Owowo Field and other contiguous fields, ExxonMobil conveyed confidence to continue investing in Nigeria,” the Minister stated.
“This confidence is a direct reflection of our sustained policy reforms and strategic efforts to drive growth and sustainability across the energy value chain.”
Local Content Gains Boost In-Country Value
Lokpobiri also commended ExxonMobil for employing predominantly Nigerian professionals in its offshore operations, describing the development as a significant step toward achieving in-country value retention and strengthening local capacity.
“Beyond its production output, I am particularly encouraged by the fact that indigenous personnel make up the majority of the workforce,” he noted.
“This reinforces our in-country value retention agenda. As a government, our policies and continued support will remain focused on promoting facilities like this, those that not only contribute to production but also strengthen local capacity and promote lasting growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.”
Government’s Continued Policy Drive
The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages both local and international oil companies to increase investments and support Nigeria’s production growth targets.
He emphasized that ongoing energy sector reforms, including those under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, and renewed upstream investment frameworks, are aimed at ensuring sustainability, transparency, and local content development across the oil and gas value chain.
“Our focus is to maintain investor confidence, increase production, and ensure that the Nigerian people benefit directly from the wealth of our energy resources,” Lokpobiri added.
This article was originally posted at sweetcrudereports.com
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