News
OML 17: Firm Begins Production Test At Ubima Marginal Field
Stakeholders in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have taken to the streets to celebrate following the successful re-entry, work-over and completion of Ubima-01 Well 56 years after as the operator of the Ubima Marginal Field, All Grace Energy Limited (AGEL), last Friday, commenced production and extended well test programme from the field.
This development was witnessed at the field as major stakeholders gathered to be part of what was described as milestone achievement in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had approved the extended well test for the Ubima-01 Well for AGEL, and the company commenced crude evacuation from the well test via trucking to the Otakikpo Marginal Field for further storage and eventual crude evacuation and export.
According to the Technical Director, Liberty Udochu, the company is expected to ramp up production to about 20, 000 barrels per day over the next couple of weeks.
Udochu said it was a significant milestone for a field that was discovered by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) since 1963 but had been left undeveloped for close to six decades.
“The well test programme will provide valuable subsurface and production information that are critical to understanding planning future field development”, Udochu explained.
He emphasized that AGEL was in discussions with a consortium of international stakeholders to drill more wells and upgrade existing facility to accommodate the increased production target of 20,000 barrels per day.
This, according to him, also includes the construction of a 20-inch 120km pipeline from the Ubima field to the proposed Otakikpo Onshore Terminal.
“This plan is imaginative and unprecedented for an indigenous company and it is expected to provide a ground breaking infrastructure for the Nigerian E&P across eastern Niger Delta”, Udochu said.
“The pipeline is expected to pass through several prolific but hitherto stranded marginal fields, thereby unlocking the potentials of the fields for faster, cheaper and more efficient export route to the market.
“There are also significant benefits to Rivers State and the country since most of the reserves from these fields had been written off as uneconomical”, Udochu added.
He commended the team spirit that achieved the significant milestone, and noted that while the team continues to develop and maximize the field’s potential, “the operations must be carried out in the most environmentally compliant manner”.
Udochu said community relations cannot be overemphasized, adding that AGEL would always consider host communities’ interests and carry them along in the field’s development dealings while ensuring full compliance with the terms and conditions of the MoU with them.
In his remarks, the AGEL’s Director for Corporate Affairs, Mr. Taiwo Onasile, explained that the Field’s Development Plan aims at achieving zero gas flares through the gas-to-power and LPG production under the company’s Small-Scale Gas Utilization Programme (SSGUP) as part of the field development.
Commending the DPR for speedy approvals of the well test and evacuation permits, he noted that the DPR’s support was instrumental in attracting the necessary financing to unlock the potentials of the field as it boosts investors’ confidence in the project.
According to him, the development, “Marks a major step forward for us and our partners to fully develop the Ubima Field and we shall work hard to do so.”
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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