FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
Describing it as a testament to resilience, efficiency, and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has lauded ExxonMobil for sustaining operations at the ERHA Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility for two decades.
Ekpo said the milestone reflects not only operational consistency but also the company’s long-term dedication to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The Minister made these remarks on Thursday while hosting the Board of ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliate, ESSO Exploration and Production, led by Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Jagir Baxi, at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Towers, Abuja.
He noted that the 20-year production run underscores a high level of technical competence, adherence to safety standards, and operational discipline in Nigeria’s demanding deepwater environment.
According to him, the ERHA project has made substantial contributions to the nation’s economy through revenue generation, employment opportunities, and the development of local expertise, making it a reference point for sustainable offshore production.
While applauding the achievement, Ekpo urged ExxonMobil to align more closely with Nigeria’s gas development agenda by incorporating gas utilisation into its offshore operations.
He stressed the need for increased investment in gas to enhance domestic supply, boost exports, and drive revenue growth.
He emphasised that as crude oil production expands, equal attention must be given to gas development to ensure a balanced and forward-looking energy strategy.
The Minister also commended the company’s compliance with local content policies, noting that Nigerians account for over 95 per cent of the ERHA workforce, many of whom possess critical technical skills.
He further assured ExxonMobil of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to providing a stable and investor-friendly environment, backed by the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Earlier, Mr. Jagir Baxi disclosed that the ERHA Deepwater project has produced over 800 million barrels of crude oil within its 20 years of operation, generating more than $70 billion in value, including approximately $23 billion in revenue for the Federal Government.
Baxi added that the project has significantly boosted employment and strengthened local capacity, with a workforce that is predominantly Nigerian. He also commended the Minister for his leadership and efforts in advancing the country’s gas development priorities.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
