The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is optimistic about an upcoming rise in the country’s oil production. Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission’s Chief Executive, voiced this confidence during an official visit to Dubai Drydocks World (DDWD) in the United Arab Emirates. The trip formed part of the regulatory oversight of the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel’s sail‑away readiness. The EMEM FPSO is being converted at DDWD for Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) and will be deployed to the Okwok Field (PML 15), operated by Oriental Okwok Limited, offshore Nigeria.
During the visit, Engineer Komolafe conducted a detailed inspection of the vessel, focusing on critical systems such as the Oil and Produced Water Treatment Unit, Gas Injection Modules, and Seawater Treatment Facilities. The walkthrough allowed the Commission to assess the project’s compliance, quality and readiness for departure. Komolafe noted that the FPSO’s planned sail‑away to Nigeria aligns with the “Project One Million Barrels” initiative, which aims to raise national oil output by one million barrels. He expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that the FPSO will help achieve the initiative’s goals.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has set targets to increase oil output to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and to 3 million barrels per day in the long term. According to Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Bashir Ojulari, current production has risen to 1.7 million barrels per day—a significant improvement from the previous range of 1.3 million barrels per day and the 1.4 million barrels per day recorded from January to June 2025. The deployment of the EMEM FPSO is expected to contribute to these efforts.
Engineer Komolafe also advised Oriental Energy to participate in the next licensing round, citing the company’s capacity to undertake additional projects in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The Commission’s support for the FPSO underscores the government’s commitment to boosting oil production and developing the nation’s energy sector. Increased production is a positive development for Nigeria’s economy, which has been affected by fluctuations in global oil prices. Government initiatives to raise output and attract investment are crucial for sustained economic growth, and the successful deployment of the EMEM FPSO will be a significant step toward achieving these objectives.
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