The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV) have announced a significant hydrocarbon discovery in the Songhai Field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 85. The discovery is expected to enhance Nigeria’s oil production capacity and strengthen its energy security.
The well, spudded on November 18, 2024, is part of a broader effort to boost and sustain the JV’s oil production over the next five years. It was successfully drilled to a total depth of 8,883 feet Measured Depth (MD) in 30 meters of water.
According to preliminary analysis, the well encountered hydrocarbons across eight reservoirs, logging over 1,000 feet of hydrocarbon-bearing sands with excellent reservoir properties. Further evaluations, including formation testing and well data integration, are planned to refine resource estimates and optimize field development strategies.
Speaking on the breakthrough, Segun Owolabi, General Manager, Exploration and Development at FIRST E&P, described it as a landmark achievement in the JV’s efforts to unlock the full potential of its assets.
“This discovery marks a major milestone in our efforts to unlock the full potential of our assets. The success at Songhai Field underscores the effectiveness of our exploration strategy and our commitment to delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders,” Owolabi stated.
As the majority partner in the JV, NNPCL emphasized the discovery’s significance in driving production growth and cost optimization.
Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, highlighted the alignment of this success with NNPCL’s broader upstream objectives:
“This aligns with NNPC Limited’s mandate to drive production growth and cost optimization. The success at Songhai Field reflects our commitment to strategic partnerships, advanced technology, and efficient operations to maximize Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential sustainably.”
The discovery reinforces the role of strategic collaboration in expanding Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.
Mallam Mele Kyari, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to efficiency and long-term value creation:
“This discovery reaffirms the potential of Nigeria’s offshore assets and the importance of collaboration in boosting reserves and production. NNPC Limited remains committed to driving efficiency and long-term value creation for the nation.”
Currently, the JV maintains a steady daily output of approximately 57,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) from its OML 83 and 85 assets. The new Songhai Field discovery is anticipated to further enhance production and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.
Additionally, the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV remains focused on operational excellence, adhering to stringent safety standards, technical expertise, and efficient project execution. With over 9 million man-hours of LTI-free operations, the JV continues to set benchmarks for safe and responsible hydrocarbon development.
In a related development, NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML)—a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd—and its Unincorporated Joint Venture partner, NIPCO Gas Ltd, have signed a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Ssonic Petroleum Ltd to supply natural gas to a proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State.
Under the agreement, executed on Thursday, the NGML-NIPCO UJV will supply 80 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) per day of natural gas to the Ssonic Petroleum LNG plant for a 20-year period.
NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the deal in a statement released yesterday, emphasizing that the agreement aligns with NNPC Ltd’s goal of boosting domestic gas utilization to drive industrial and economic growth.
According to the statement, this initiative also promotes the adoption of natural gas as a cleaner, more affordable, and environmentally friendly fuel, in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The Songhai Field discovery and the gas supply agreement represent significant milestones in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, reinforcing the federal government’s agenda to increase hydrocarbon production and reserves while ensuring sustainable energy growth.
