In the southern mangrove region of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the Awoba oil field, straddling Oil Mining Leases (OML) 18 and 24, had previously ceased operations in 2022. This suspension was due to logistical challenges in crude transportation and prevalent instances of theft.

In a significant development, Nigeria's state-owned oil company, NNPC Ltd, in collaboration with its partner Newcross Exploration and Production Ltd, has announced the reactivation of the Awoba oil field.

This oil field, with a production capacity estimated at 40,000 barrels per day (b/d), was producing 8,000 b/d before its operations were halted in February 2022. Since its reactivation in mid-April 2024, production has resumed at the initial levels and is expected to reach 12,000 b/d within 30 days, as confirmed by stakeholders.

Mele Kyari, the CEO of NNPC Ltd, credited the operational success to the favorable business environment fostered by the Nigerian federal government. This revitalization is planned to supply the Bonny oil terminal and boost gas volumes for electricity production, among other benefits.

Struggling to meet its production quota, capped at 1.5 million b/d by OPEC in December, Nigeria is actively pursuing initiatives to boost its crude output, which stood at 1.23 million b/d in March, trailing behind Libya's production.