Nigeria is on course to record an increase in crude oil production as the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel moves closer to deployment offshore, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said.
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, gave the assurance after leading a regulatory inspection of the FPSO at Dubai Drydocks World, United Arab Emirates, where final conversion work is underway. The oversight visit was carried out to assess the vessel’s readiness before it is sailed to the Okwok Field, operated by Oriental Energy Resources Limited.
In a statement issued by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, Komolafe described the progress as timely and aligned with Nigeria’s push to ramp up production and meet its OPEC+ commitments.
“This FPSO is coming to Nigeria at a time we are seeking to increase production. It will support our One Million Barrels initiative,” Komolafe said. “From what I have seen, I am impressed. As the regulator, we will continue to provide support to Oriental Energy.”
The EMEM FPSO, converted from the Nordic Mistral crude tanker, has a storage capacity of one million barrels and is designed for full-cycle offshore operations — from production and processing to storage and offloading. When operational, it is expected to add meaningful crude volumes from the Okwok Field to Nigeria’s daily output.
During the four-hour inspection, Komolafe toured key modules, including crude treatment systems, gas handling units, power generation equipment, seawater treatment plants, laboratory, control centre, and accommodation quarters. The exercise enabled the Commission to verify compliance with safety, quality, and operational readiness standards.
Komolafe also encouraged Oriental Energy to expand its footprint in Nigeria’s upstream sector by taking part in upcoming licensing rounds, citing the company’s proven technical competence and execution capacity.
“We are convinced Oriental Energy has the capacity to contribute more to our national development,” he said.
Oriental Energy’s Executive Vice Chairman, Engr. Goni Sheikh, praised NUPRC for maintaining a regulatory environment that supports investment.
“Since the start of this project, we have received 100% support from the Commission,” Sheikh said. “Your oversight has been critical to helping us meet timelines. NUPRC is indeed a business enabler.”
The Okwok Field Development Project is seen as a boost to indigenous participation in Nigeria’s upstream sector, reinforcing efforts to stabilise production and restore investor confidence amid ongoing reforms in the petroleum industry.
Leave a Reply