Emadeb Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (Emadeb E&P) has announced the achievement of first oil from the Ibom Field (PPL 236), marking another milestone in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry.
Following sustained investment, technical rigour and collaborative effort, Emadeb E&P has commenced commercial production from the Ibom Field.
The company announced over the weekend that the achievement underscored its emergence as a fully integrated energy player, highlighting the pivotal role of indigenous operators in advancing Nigeria’s energy security and economic diversification. This announcement also aligns with the federal government’s vision and aspiration to increase the nation’s crude oil production.
The Ibom Field, located approximately 30 kilometres offshore, was initially discovered in 1979. The field boasts a significant in-place volume of 103 million barrels of oil.
Since its acquisition in the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, Emadeb E&P has invested over $100 million in a phased field development programme. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved the Ibom Field Development Plan (FDP) in November 2024.
Key Technical Milestones include the successful drilling and completion of the Ibom-03 well in September 2023; the integration of a Mobile Producing Offshore Unit (MOPU) completed in June 2025; and the commissioning of the Ibom Field Mooring System in September 2025; First oil was achieved in October 2025, demonstrating Indigenous Capacity and Strategic Partnership.
“This milestone reflects our deep commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential through homegrown expertise, strong partnerships, and disciplined investment,” the CEO of Emadeb E&P, Adebowale Olujimi, said.
Olujimi declared: “We are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s energy goals, foster local content, create jobs, and deliver sustainable value.”
The Ibom Field development exemplifies effective collaboration between the private sector and government institutions, serving as a model for the commercialisation of marginal fields and indigenous capacity development in the upstream sector.
The Ibom Field stands as a testament to what is achievable when strategic intent meets execution excellence.
Looking ahead, the CEO stated that Emadeb E&P is now preparing for Phase 2 development, which will involve drilling two additional wells that are expected to triple production by Q4 2026. The company remains focused on operational excellence, environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement.
