First Exploration & Production Company (First E&P), an integrated upstream company and the operator of the Abigail Joseph FPSO facility, operated under the NNPCL-First E&P Joint Venture on OML 83/85 offshore Bayelsa, has disclosed that it is targeting a daily production of 100,000 barrels.

The FPSO, which is currently producing at a commendable rate of 60,000 bpd and has an active commitment to ramping up production to 100,000 bpd, is in line with the Federal Government’s effort to align with a broader goal of achieving sustained growth in national production capacity.

To achieve this projected milestone, First E&P has embarked on a drilling campaign targeting 23 oil wells, which the Nigerian Petroleum Minister of Petroleum (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri has championed.

The Minister, who recently embarked on an inspection tour aboard the FPSO Abigail Joseph FPSO facility, reiterated the commitment of the present administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to ramp up Nigeria’s current crude production by an additional one million barrels.

“I was impressed by the progress made towards increasing our crude oil production. The FPSO is currently producing at a commendable rate of 60,000 bpd, with an active commitment to ramping up production to 100,000 bpd. This strategy demonstrates a proactive approach to optimizing production capabilities and reflects the robust potential of collaborations between NNPCL and indigenous companies,” Sen. Heineken stated.

While applauding this significant achievement and the JV’s dedication to excellence, he acknowledged the fact that these productive outputs are a testament to the opportunities to unlock the ongoing reforms of the present administration in the oil sector.

“I encourage other Indigenous companies to leverage these opportunities and replicate this success, contributing to our shared goal of enhanced national productivity,” He added

The NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Joint Venture (JV) has recently announced the arrival of the Shelf Drilling Rig Achiever at the Songhai field (OML 85) location on October 18, 2024. The jack-up rig is a state-of-the-art 350-foot Jack-Up Drilling Unit, that will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s ambitious goal of increasing oil production by 1 million barrels of oil per day (bopd).

The engagement of the rig is part of the drilling campaigns of a major step towards the JV’s goal of increasing and sustaining oil production to 70,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) within the next five years. Additionally, the JV aims to monetize over 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of natural gas from our existing assets. These efforts will bolster our production capacity and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.

“As part of a broader strategy to support Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV’s deployment of cutting-edge technologies like the Shelf Drilling Achiever demonstrates its commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

“These advanced capabilities will play a crucial role in helping Nigeria meet its national production targets, reinforcing its position as a leader in global energy markets while contributing to the country’s long-term energy security and economic stability,” The company stated.