As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited Joint Venture (JV) aim for an ambitious target of 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day (BOPD), the project is being framed not just as an economic boost but as a catalyst for community development and energy transition.
During a two-day visit to the JV’s offshore facilities, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, emphasized the importance of community engagement and environmental sustainability alongside oil production goals. The visit included discussions with host community leaders in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, signaling a broader focus on balancing industrial growth with social responsibility.
While the target of 100,000 BOPD aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving 2.5 million BOPD by 2025, stakeholders highlighted the need for energy diversification. FIRST E&P Managing Director Ademola Adeyemi-Bero reiterated the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy transition. "Our operations prioritize sustainable practices while ensuring energy security," he noted, adding that contributions to education, healthcare, and human capital development remain central to the JV's mission.
The tour also spotlighted the partnership’s community impact, with initiatives in education and healthcare receiving commendations. Moses Theophilus, Chairman of the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust, described the JV as "a model for how oil companies can actively support host communities."
Beyond oil production, experts view the JV’s operations as a stepping stone toward economic diversification. Bala Wunti of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services praised the JV’s efficiency, noting its production of over 50 million barrels since 2020 as a significant contributor to national revenue.
Governor Douye Diri, through his Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe, called for a collaborative approach among the Federal Government, oil companies, and state authorities to boost production while investing in non-oil sectors.
As Nigeria navigates the global energy landscape, projects like the NNPCL-FIRST E&P JV underline the dual mandate of meeting immediate production goals while setting the stage for a diversified, sustainable economy. This balance, stakeholders argue, is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of oil production translate into broader national and community development.
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