The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revealed that it is partnering closely with Eni to support its 20 per cent increase in production at the company’s Abo field. This reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The commission’s chief executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, who received a high-level delegation from Eni at the NUPRC’s Abuja headquarters, emphasised the Commission’s commitment to regulatory reforms to create a stable and secure operating environment, enabling operators like Eni to expand output.
The NUPRC said the visit underscored the industry’s growing optimism as Nigeria pursued its production target of 3 million barrels per day.
He noted that the increasing rig count and enhanced security measures are laying the foundation for higher production levels.
Komolafe reiterated the commission’s unwavering commitment to driving regulatory efficiency, fostering investment growth, and ensuring a stable, secure operating environment for operators.
“Our rig count has been growing geometrically, reflecting renewed investor confidence. This momentum reinforces Nigeria’s emergence as a preferred destination for upstream investments,” Engr. Komolafe stated.
Recent operational gains have strengthened this positive outlook. ENI recorded a 20 per cent production increase at its Abo asset, the company’s first production overrun in decades. This improvement was attributed to reduced vandalism, improved asset security, and enhanced operational capacity, particularly in deepwater operations.
The CCE highlighted that Nigeria’s improving production environment, both onshore and offshore, is already yielding tangible outcomes. Komolafe noted that the 90 per cent reduction in vandalism incidents had unlocked greater asset uptime and boosted operational efficiency across the value chain. This, coupled with near-full capacity utilisation at Nigeria LNG Train 6 and efforts to optimise Train 7 fully, signals sustained momentum in the sector.
The CCE commended ENI for its continued confidence in Nigeria and reiterated the Commission’s dedication to sustaining reforms that support investment growth.
In his remarks, Luca Vignati, the director of Upstream at Eni, emphasised the positive shift in Nigeria’s operational landscape.
“Nigeria’s production landscape has radically transformed over the last 18 to 24 months. This is a credit to the authorities for providing an enabling environment, and to international oil companies that have recognised the opportunity to operate more efficiently.
Contrary to popular perception, international companies are not leaving Nigeria; they are simply moving further into deepwater operations,” Vignati said.
He added, “For the first time in decades, Eni is producing above budget in Nigeria, with a 20% increase at the Abo asset. This is a clear sign of improved operational stability, reduced vandalism, and growing investor confidence in the country’s upstream sector.”
Located in OML 125 deep offshore, Abo was Nigeria’s first deepwater producing field, operated by Eni’s subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE), through a production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and other partners.
