The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its Joint Venture partner, First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P), have commenced oil production from OML 85, also known as the Madu Field.

Situated in shallow waters offshore Bayelsa State, the Madu Field is now operational under the adept stewardship of First E&P, with production expected to reach an average of 20,000 barrels per day.

This significant achievement underscores the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to optimize production from Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, fostering an enabling environment for existing and prospective investors in the sector.

Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, hailed the commencement of oil production at the Madu Field as a pivotal milestone in the nation’s energy landscape. He emphasized its crucial role in driving revenue growth and bolstering Nigeria’s economy.

Kyari lauded the concerted efforts of all stakeholders involved, highlighting that the addition of 20,000 barrels per day by an indigenous oil player signifies a collective dedication to advancing economic development in Nigeria.

The decision to greenlight production at the Madu Field was solidified in 2018 with the Final Investment Decision (FID) taken by the NNPC Ltd/First E&P Joint Venture. This strategic move reflects a long-term vision for sustainable resource utilization and development in the country.

Oil extracted from the Madu Field will undergo processing at the JV’s state-of-the-art Abigail-Joseph Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Unit. Boasting a crude oil storage capacity of up to 800,000 barrels, the FPSO facility represents a critical component of Nigeria’s oil production infrastructure.