Why oil production has not commenced in Nasarawa despite huge deposits, expert

From Daniel Abel, Lafia

Manager, Asset Integrity, NNPC-ATAMS Producing Dr. Musa Adamu has disclosed that production of oil in Nasarawa is being faced with some challenges hence the delay as they are still in the process of drilling to reach the reservoir.
Dr. Musa gave the hint in an interview with journalists in Obi, Obi local government on Tuesday.

Dr. Musa who doubled as Chairman, Obi Oil and Gas Exploration Committee explained that the current drilling activity is the Ebenyi 1 drilling site by ENSA, a branch of NNPCL in Obi.

The petroleum expert with thirty years of field experience disclosed that the estimated depth to reach the oil deposit has been narrowed the drilling is approaching a large reservoir of oil.

“When we get to the reservoir we will know the quantity and lifespan of the deposits.

He stated that there are some challenges which are not only peculiar to the Obi oil drilling as he expressed the hope that soon oil production will commence.

The Obi oil drilling which was commissioned by the formal president Buhari in March 24, 2023 is yet to commence production one year after as drilling is currently ongoing.

Musa a petroleum engineer with thirty years feild experience in so many state and currently serving as manager with the NNPC in Rivers State, assured that oil production will soon commence in ernest

Musa however noted that the reason for the delay in production is because of the physical challenges being faced in the drilling process.

Dr. Musa identified breakdown of drilling equipments and the long process of fixing of those equipments as being responsible for the delay in production, which according to him is normal.

“The equipments we are using are foreign made and because of the present stage of the drilling, breakdown of those drilling equipments is anticipated.

“Replacing those drilling equipments take time because they are imported, and you know the process of importing heavy equipments. That is the reason for the delay, but we are getting closer to the reservoir.

“We can’t tell you exactly when the drilling will be over because of the unforeseeable challenges. By God’s grace we will soon reach the target level where we will have the first oil.

He however explained that the result of previous exploration revealed that there are four major oil deposit sites in Asakio, Agwatashi, Keana and the present site where drilling is taking place in Obi.

He explained further the outcome of the exploration shows that the probability of huge deposit in those oil wells is above 70 per.cent.

“In some places in Keana the presence of oil deposit are overtly visible. You can even see spills in some places and when you fetch them it produces the odour of gas and fuel. That shows the huge oil deposit in such areas but drilling is yet to commence.

“The quantom of oil deposit from result of exploration amount to economic oil. It is not enough to discover oil and go into drilling. You must be sure the deposit amount to economic oil.

“The oil deposits in those wells is an equivalent of economic oil. The communities, State and the federal government stand to make huge profits when oil production kick start.

Dr. Musa highlight other challenges earlier faced from residents on compensations of lands where the well was discovered.

The challenges included multiple claims of land ownership by residents, but had been handled by the traditional ruler of Obi

“The traditional ruler, Alh. Aliyu Dangiwa Ogiri, the Osukwo of Obi constituted a special committee on Oil and Gas of which I am the chairman.

“The committee has help resolved so many hitches that would have spark out youth restiveness but we have intervened in and proffer solutions that he help to create a conducive working environment to the NNPCL in the community.

“The host community through the intervention of the committee are currently enjoying some benefits such as youth empowerment, scholarship.

“Over 70 per cent of the labour at the drilling site is done by youths from Obi. The NNPCL has given scholarship to some youths who showed interest in some professional career who will be employed when oil production starts proper.

Musa also hinted that the youths are happy with the current activities that has engaged them profitably and are even providing security apart from the conventional security in and around the drilling site.

As parts of their Corporate Social Responsibilities, street lights, access road and other Social amenities have been provided by the NNPCL who promised to do more as work at the site progresses.

Musa explained however that with the relationship between the host community and the NNPCL challenges being faced in some oil producing states which led to protracted youth restiveness would be greatly curtailed.