NNPC Urges Collaborative “War Room” to Address Challenges of Independent Oil Producers

 The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) is calling for deeper collaboration among oil and gas companies, particularly independent producers, to tackle issues hindering the development of divested assets in the country.

Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC’s Executive Vice President of Upstream, made this statement during a panel discussion at the ongoing Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES 2024).

Past Performance Calls for New Approach

Expressing concern about the current state of divested assets, Eyesan pointed out that many have experienced production decline instead of growth. She emphasized the need for a new approach, stating, “Collaboration cannot be overemphasized. It’s not by sitting here and talking about the challenges… We need collaboration, collaboration, and collaboration.”

Proposed “War Room” for Collaborative Problem-Solving

Eyesan proposed the creation of a collaborative “war room” where industry stakeholders can openly discuss challenges and develop concrete solutions. This approach, she believes, will be more effective than individual efforts by companies.

Challenges and Industry Leaders Participating

Eyesan acknowledged the various challenges faced by independent producers, including insecurity, lack of financing, and technological limitations. The panel discussion also included key industry figures like CEOs of ExxonMobil Nigeria, TotalEnergies, Oando Energy Resources, and representatives from other major oil and gas companies.

This collaborative effort, if successful, could significantly improve the performance of divested assets and boost Nigeria’s oil and gas production.