Although critics do not see it happening so soon, by 2025, Nigeria wants its oil production capacity pushed up from the slightly below 1.5 million barrels per day to above 2 million. Will a recent visit to the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe bring this about since it helps the shelf life of an oil mining lease (OML) 30 already seeking to replace expat miners and capacities exiting the country.

It was the leadership of Heritage Energy & Oil Services Limited and its joint venture partners who executed this visitation and, in return, received assurances of support for the OML 30 they manage on behalf of Shoreline/NEPCL JV.

The meeting, held at NCDMB’s Lagos liaison office, had Heritage paying the visit alongside JV Partners, Shoreline Natural Resources, and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL). It saw the group appreciate NCDMB’s past support for their operations while requesting more.

Other senior Board officials were present at the meet-up, which included the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Isaac Yalah; Director of Project Certification & Authorisation, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, General Manager Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq and General Manager, Strategy and Transformation Projects, Ms. Amanda Yekorogha.

A pointed solicitation came for accelerated approval of documents relevant to their tenders for drilling and other projects like the Technical Invitations to Tender, Technical and Commercial Evaluation Template, Nigeria Content Compliance Certificates, Letter for approval of Human Capacity Development Trainings and other support to enable the company comply fully with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

The main goal for the organisation is to grow its current 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2030. This growth projection would require substantial investment, including drilling several new wells, the officials had shared during the liaison office trip.

Also highlighted was the fact that this consortium had kicked off a four-rig campaign to boost production.

With this, there is focusing on underdeveloped fields, gas development, which would support Nigeria’s gas master plan, and exploration. We anticipate a [significant increase] in oil production over the next five years from these initiatives, read a comment off NCDMB’s press release published on Saturday, 8 March 2025, that had been attributed to the consortium.

It’s not just about increasing output; it’s about local economic development, job creation, and sustainable resource utilisation. We are also investing in produced water disposal to enhance operational efficiency and optimise production.

Our strategic investment also includes flare gas gathering/gas development and monetisation, unlocking a new value stream for the Asset.

The OML 30, located onshore within the Niger Delta, is one of the most prolific oil and gas provinces in the world. It is a license which covers 1,097 square kilometers and includes eight producing fields, such as Olomoro, Oleh, Uweh, Uzere, Ewvreni, Eremu, Oroni, and Kokori.

With NCDMB’s support and the consortium’s strategic investments, OML 30 is poised to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving its 2 million bpd oil production target by 2025. Here is a partial description of how it would be done.

Additionally, says the Heritage Energy delegation, we are revamping and investing in the Trans Forcados Pipeline (“TFP”) to support the expected increased production from OML 30 and other assets that leverage the TFP for crude evacuation.

This investment is expected to improve the pipeline’s capacity and reliability, ensuring the efficient transportation of crude oil to export terminals.

Between the NCDMB and the OML 30 consortium, the potential for public-private partnerships to drive growth and development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is exemplified. As the country strives to increase its oil production capacity, initiatives like these will be instrumental in realising its goals and securing a prosperous future for its citizens.

In his remarks, Engr. Ogbe commended Heritage and the OML 30 team for their achievements and assured them of NCDMB’s continued support.

He emphasised that the Board’s investment plans align with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, focusing on increased oil and gas production, job creation, and economic enhancement.

Engr. Ogbe highlighted several initiatives championed by the NCDMB, including partnerships with international and indigenous oil-producing companies to accelerate oil and gas projects in line with the President’s directive.

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Meiza Nigeria