EMADEB Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (Emadeb E&P) has announced the successful commencement of crude oil production from the Ibom Field (PPL 236), a significant achievement for both the company and Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry.
The event, termed “first oil,” signals the start of commercial production from the offshore field following a comprehensive and capital-intensive development program.
A statement by Adebowale Olujimi, Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb E&P, said this milestone underscores the growing capability of indigenous Nigerian companies to lead complex energy projects and contributes directly to national efforts to boost crude oil output.
Located approximately 30 kilometres offshore, the Ibom Field was first discovered in 1979 but remained undeveloped for decades.
Emadeb E&P acquired the asset in the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round and embarked on a phased development plan, investing over $100 million to bring the field online.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) granted formal approval for the Field Development Plan in November 2024.
The path to first oil involved several critical technical milestones. The company successfully drilled and completed the Ibom-03 well in September 2023. This was followed by the integration of a Mobile Producing Offshore Unit (MOPU) in June 2025 and the commissioning of a specialized mooring system in September 2025, culminating in the achievement of first oil in October 2025. The field is reported to hold a significant in-place volume of 103 million barrels of oil.
“This milestone reflects our deep commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential through homegrown expertise, strong partnerships, and disciplined investment,” Olujimi stated in the statement, adding: “We are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s energy goals, foster local content, create jobs, and deliver sustainable value.”
The development of the Ibom Field is being viewed as a model for the successful commercialisation of Nigeria’s marginal fields – smaller, discovered oil fields that were previously deemed uneconomical for larger international operators.
The project demonstrates effective collaboration between the private sector and government institutions and highlights the pivotal role indigenous companies are playing in advancing the nation’s energy security and economic diversification agenda.
With the initial phase now operational, Emadeb E&P has set its sights on future growth. The company confirmed it is preparing for a Phase 2 development, which will involve drilling two additional wells. This expansion is projected to triple the field’s production capacity by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, safety, and constructive community engagement throughout its ongoing operations.
