By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria is poised for a fresh lift in crude oil production following progress on a major offshore facility expected to begin operations soon, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced on Thursday.
NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, expressed confidence in the development after inspecting the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel at Dubai Drydocks World in the United Arab Emirates. The facility is undergoing final conversion works ahead of its deployment to the Okwok Field, offshore Nigeria.
The inspection, conducted as part of the Commission’s oversight responsibilities, allowed the regulator to evaluate the vessel’s technical readiness. Komolafe toured critical sections, including crude processing units, water treatment systems, gas handling modules, power generation facilities, control rooms, and accommodation areas.
According to a statement by NUPRC’s Head of Media, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission is satisfied with the progress and expects the vessel to contribute meaningfully to national output once in operation.
“This FPSO is coming to Nigeria at a time we are seeking to increase production,” Komolafe said after the visit. “It will help us achieve our One Million Barrels project. From what I have seen, I am very impressed, and as the regulator, we will continue to give support to Oriental Energy.”
The EMEM FPSO, being converted for Oriental Energy Resources Limited, will support crude production, processing, storage and offloading at the Okwok Field. The asset is viewed as a strategic contributor toward Nigeria’s drive to raise production to meet its OPEC+ quota and strengthen investor confidence in the sector.
Komolafe also encouraged Oriental Energy to participate in the upcoming licensing round to expand its portfolio, noting that the company has demonstrated technical capacity and operational readiness.
Responding, the Executive Vice Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, Goni Sheikh, appreciated the Commission’s consistent support throughout the project phase.
“Since the start of this project, we have received 100 percent support from NUPRC,” Sheikh said. “Your oversight and guidance show that you are truly a business facilitator.”
The EMEM FPSO is a converted one-million-barrel-capacity crude tanker, designed with processing capabilities of 40,000 barrels of oil per day, alongside gas and water injection systems needed for sustained offshore production. It is equipped to house up to 100 personnel and is built for a 15-year operational lifespan.
