NNPC, ExxonMobil deepen strategic offshore alliance

By Fredrick Ameh

The NNPC Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding collaboration with global energy giant ExxonMobil, as both companies move to strengthen operations in Nigeria’s deepwater oil and gas sector.

The renewed partnership focus was confirmed during a high-level courtesy visit to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, by ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President, Deepwater, Mr. J. Hunter Farris.

According to discussions from the meeting, both parties expressed strong alignment on the need to accelerate deepwater development projects, improve operational efficiency, and unlock new investment opportunities within Nigeria’s offshore energy landscape. The visit coincides with ExxonMobil’s 20th-anniversary celebrations of the Erha deepwater project, during which the company signaled plans for multi-billion dollar Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in the coming year.

Ojulari emphasized that the relationship between NNPC Ltd and ExxonMobil has remained a benchmark for trust-driven collaboration in the industry. He noted that the partnership continues to evolve in response to global energy demands, with a shared objective of ensuring sustainable growth and long-term value creation. He further stated that NNPC Ltd is committed to deepening strategic engagement to boost production capacity, enhance technology transfer, and support Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals.

ExxonMobil’s delegation reiterated its confidence in Nigeria’s upstream potential, particularly in assets like Erha, Usan, and the Owowo deepwater project. Mr. Farris described the country as entering a "golden age of deepwater," noting that the company is "renewing its vows" to Nigeria due to an improved regulatory and investment climate.

Industry observers note that this strengthened alliance could accelerate approvals for major projects, such as the potential $15bn–$16bn Bosi oil and gas field development, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a premier deepwater investment destination.

Further technical engagements are expected in the coming weeks as both organizations move to translate these commitments into actionable projects across Nigeria’s offshore basins.