The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited have announced a major hydrocarbon discovery in the Songhai Field, located in Oil Mining Lease 85 in the Niger Delta region
According to a joint statement by the two companies, the well was spudded on November 18, 2024, as part of efforts to boost oil production. It was drilled to a depth of 8,883 feet Measured Depth in 30 meters of water.
The companies confirmed that the well encountered hydrocarbons across eight reservoirs, with over 1,000 feet of hydrocarbon-bearing sands. Early analysis shows significant oil and gas volumes, raising hopes for the commercial viability of the field. Further tests will be carried out to determine the exact volume and plan for the development of the field.
General Manager, Exploration and Development at FIRST E&P, Segun Owolabi, hailed the discovery as a breakthrough for the joint venture.
“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 said.
NNPCL, which holds the majority stake in the joint venture, emphasized the importance of the discovery for Nigeria’s oil production targets.
Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Seyi Omotowa, stated, “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 maximise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential sustainably.”
NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, also praised the collaboration between the two companies.
“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,” Kyari said.
Currently, the NNPC/FIRST E&P joint venture produces about 57,000 barrels of oil per day from OML 83 and 85. The new discovery is expected to boost output and support Nigeria’s energy security.
Meanwhile, NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd, a subsidiary of NNPCL, and its joint venture partner NIPCO Gas Ltd have signed a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement with Ssonic Petroleum Ltd. The deal will see the supply of 80 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily to Ssonic’s proposed Liquefied Natural Gas plant in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State.
The agreement, which will last for 20 years, is part of NNPC’s drive to increase domestic gas usage and support Nigeria’s economic growth.
NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said in a statement, “The gas supply agreement is part of efforts by NNPC Ltd to boost domestic gas utilisation for the nation’s industrial and economic growth and promote the use of gas as a cleaner, cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel.”
