An indigenous company, Emadeb Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited, has announced the commencement of commercial crude oil production from its Ibom Field in PPL 236, marking a major milestone and boosting the country’s drive to raise crude production.
The company confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by its management team that commercial production began in October following years of investment, engineering work, and regulatory approvals that culminated in the successful development of the offshore field located about 30 kilometres from the shoreline.
The achievement, industry analysts say, reinforces the rising contribution of local companies to Nigeria’s upstream expansion at a time the Federal Government is pushing for increased output to meet OPEC quotas and stabilise foreign exchange earnings.
The statement read, “Emadeb Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited is proud to announce the achievement of first oil from the Ibom Field (PPL 236), marking another milestone in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry. Following sustained investment, technical rigour and collaborative effort, Emadeb E&P has commenced commercial production from the Ibom Field.
“This achievement underscores Emadeb E&P’s emergence as a fully integrated energy player and highlights the pivotal role of indigenous operators in advancing Nigeria’s energy security and economic diversification. It also aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s vision and aspiration to increase the nation’s crude oil production.”
Emadeb, one of the winners in the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, disclosed that it had spent over $100m executing a phased development programme for the field, originally discovered in 1979 and estimated to hold 103 million barrels of oil in place.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission approved the field’s development plan in November 2024, clearing the path for full field work.
According to the company, first oil was achieved after a series of technical milestones, including the successful drilling and completion of the Ibom-03 well in September 2023, the integration of a Mobile Producing Offshore Unit in June 2025, and the commissioning of a mooring system three months later.
“This milestone reflects our deep commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential through homegrown expertise, strong partnerships, and disciplined investment.
“We are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s energy goals, foster local content, create jobs, and deliver sustainable value,” the Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb E&P, Adebowale Olujimi, said.
The firm said the project demonstrates what indigenous companies can achieve when supported by clear regulatory frameworks and functional partnerships with government agencies.
“Ibom Field, located approximately 30 kilometres offshore, Ibom Field was originally discovered in 1979. The field boasts a significant in-place volume of 103 million barrels of oil.
“Since its acquisition in the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, Emadeb E&P has invested over $100m in a phased field development programme. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission approved the Ibom Field Development Plan in November 2024.
“Key Technical Milestones include successful drilling and completion of the Ibom-03 well in September 2023, integration of a Mobile Producing Offshore Unit completed in June 2025, and commissioning of the Ibom Field Mooring System in September 2025. First oil achieved in October 2025, which demonstrates Indigenous Capacity and Strategic Partnership.”
The Ibom Field, it noted, stands as a model for marginal field commercialisation under the new Petroleum Industry Act era, which aims to open the sector to more Nigerian players and reduce dependence on international oil companies for production growth.
The company further announced that it is preparing for Phase Two, which will involve drilling two additional wells with a target to triple production by the fourth quarter of 2026. It said its forward plan will prioritise environmental stewardship, safe operations, and community engagement as production ramps up.
“Looking ahead, Emadeb E&P is now preparing for Phase 2 development to drill two additional wells that will triple production by Q4 2026. The company remains focused on operational excellence, environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement,” the statement concluded.
Nigeria has been pushing to raise crude oil production after years of underperformance driven by pipeline vandalism, declining investments, ageing reservoirs, and prolonged downtime across major export terminals.
Last week, average crude oil production rose marginally to 1.401 million barrels per day in October 2025, according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries Monthly Oil Market Report.
The figure represents a slight increase from 1.39 million barrels per day recorded in September, but still falls below the country’s OPEC production quota of about 1.5 million barrels per day. It also marks the third consecutive month Nigeria has failed to meet its assigned target, the last time being in July 2025.
Emadeb E&P’s Ibom Field is emerging as an early example of the PIA-era reforms producing tangible results. The field is among the few assets from the marginal bid round to reach first oil, strengthening the case for Nigeria’s strategy of elevating indigenous companies as key contributors to national output growth.
