Abuja, Nigeria — The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has described the recent progress toward resolving the long-standing dispute over OPL 245 as a major milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector.
Ojulari said the development marks a significant step in advancing the responsible development of Nigeria’s strategic energy resources.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu entrusted NNPC Limited with supporting efforts to resolve the dispute involving the Federal Government of Nigeria, Eni, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited.
He noted that the resolution of the dispute clears the way for the development of the Zabazaba–Etan deepwater project, one of Nigeria’s most strategic offshore oil assets.
Ojulari explained that advancing the project could potentially add about 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production capacity, a development expected to strengthen the country’s energy security and boost economic resilience.
Industry analysts say the Zabazaba–Etan project, located in the deep offshore Niger Delta, has long been considered one of Nigeria’s most promising undeveloped oil assets but has faced delays due to legal and ownership disputes surrounding OPL 245.
Ojulari added that the latest progress demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, persistence, and a shared commitment among stakeholders to unlock Nigeria’s vast energy potential.
The anticipated development of the deepwater field is expected to attract significant investment, support government revenue, and contribute to efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil output in the coming years.