WorldStage– As ExxonMobil Nigeria marks 20 years of sustaining production at the ERHA Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, Nigeria’s Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended the efforts and charged the operator to align its operations with Nigeria’s gas development priorities by integrating gas into offshore activities and to intensify efforts in gas development to boost domestic utilisation, exports, and revenue generation.
ExxonMobil Nigeria is involved in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, with operations in five deepwater blocks.
The ERHA Deepwater project was said to have produced more than 800 million barrels of crude oil, generating over $70 billion in value, including about $23 billion to the Federal Government over the 20 years.
Ekpo, while receiving the Board of ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliates (ESSO Exploration and Production), led by its Chairman/Managing Director, Mr Jagir Baxi, at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Towers, Abuja described the achievement as a benchmark in Nigeria’s deepwater operations.
He said the two-decade operation reflects exceptional technical expertise, a strong safety culture, and consistent operational discipline in a challenging offshore environment.
“This milestone represents a remarkable demonstration of resilience, efficiency, and long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector,” the Minister said.
Ekpo noted that the ERHA project has significantly contributed to national revenue, job creation, and local capacity development, positioning it as a model for sustainable deepwater production.
“As we grow oil output, equal emphasis must be placed on gas development to support domestic utilisation, exports, and revenue growth,” Ekpo stated.
The Minister also commended the company’s adherence to local content requirements, noting that over 95 per cent ERHA workforce in Nigeria are Nigerians with critical industry expertise.
He further reassured ExxonMobil of the Federal Government’s commitment to a stable investment climate, anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act.
In his speech, Baxi, said the project has driven job creation, strengthened national content, and is currently operated by a workforce that is over 95 per cent Nigerian, while also commending the Minister’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s gas development agenda.
