By Yusuf Yunus
AMNI International Petroleum Development Company says the mobilisation of a drilling rig to the Okoro Field offshore Akwa Ibom underscores the growing role of indigenous operators in stabilising Nigeria’s crude oil production and strengthening long-term energy security.
The company’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Tunde Afolabi, said in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos that the development represented a defining operational milestone and reinforced confidence in the capacity, capital strength and ambition of local operators.
“This mobilisation reflects the growing technical capability and financial strength of Nigeria’s indigenous operators,” he said.
He explained that the Okoro Field, a core producing asset in the company’s portfolio, was undergoing a development programme aimed at optimising output, improving reservoir management and sustaining base production.
“The objective is to maintain stable output while increasing peak production to over 12,000 barrels per day,” he said.
Afolabi noted that the three-well drilling campaign forms part of AMNI’s five-year Strategic Development Plan focused on production optimisation, accelerated oil development and expanded gas commercialisation.
“Our strategy prioritises maximising value from existing assets while advancing oil and gas growth across our portfolio,” he stated.
He added that beyond Okoro, the company and its partners were advancing an asset development pipeline valued at more than 2.5 billion dollars, with expected peak production exceeding 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
“That forward portfolio represents a significant long-term investment in Nigeria’s upstream sector,” he said.
Afolabi stressed that the capital commitment demonstrated disciplined deployment and long-term planning rather than short-term expansion.
“This is not symbolic growth; it is tangible execution of a clearly defined long-term strategy,” he added.
He emphasised that sustainable growth for indigenous operators must be built on operational excellence, prudent capital allocation and long-term value creation.
“Operational discipline and responsible asset management remain the pillars of our growth model,” Afolabi said.
According to him, continued investment by local operators aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of raising national production towards three million barrels per day while strengthening domestic technical capacity and reinvestment.
“Indigenous companies are now central to sustaining output, extending field life and ensuring reinvestment within the domestic economy,” he said.
He added that the company was advancing development of the Tubu oil field alongside accelerated gas initiatives to deepen domestic energy utilisation and support industrial growth.
“Our integrated oil and gas development approach is designed to enhance supply reliability and support Nigeria’s energy security,” he said.
Afolabi said the Okoro campaign signaled resilience, investor confidence and sustained commitment to Nigeria’s upstream future.
“The mobilisation at Okoro reflects confidence in Nigeria’s upstream potential and our enduring commitment to responsible development,” he added. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
