ExxonMobil Affirms Commitment to Nigeria Amid Divestment Speculations

Shane Harris, the Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its operations in Nigeria.

Addressing the speculation surrounding ExxonMobil’s proposed divestment of its 100 percent interest in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited, Harris made it clear that ExxonMobil is not planning to exit the Nigerian market.

Harris conveyed this assurance during a meeting with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), in Abuja.

This meeting, highlighted in a statement released by Nneamaka Okafor, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the petroleum minister, emphasized ExxonMobil’s plans for significant new investments in Nigeria’s energy sector.

“During the meeting, Mr. Harris hinted at significant new investments that ExxonMobil is injecting into Nigeria’s energy sector,” the statement read. “He expressed confidence in the renewed relationship between ExxonMobil and the Nigerian government, assuring the government that the oil giant is not planning to leave Nigeria.”

Harris underscored the importance of ExxonMobil’s partnership with the Nigerian government, stating, “We are excited about the prospects these new investments bring. Our partnership with the Nigerian government is crucial for sustainable growth, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we have no plan to leave.”

In response, Lokpobiri reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing production and fostering a conducive environment for investors in the energy sector.

He emphasized the ministry’s focus on creating collaborations and sharing innovative ideas with international oil companies.

“We are dedicated to ramping up production and ensuring a supportive environment for all investors by doing everything possible to maintain investor confidence in our country,” Lokpobiri said.

He also commended the ExxonMobil team for their commitment to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, noting that it aligned perfectly with the nation’s objectives.

“ExxonMobil’s planned investments are commendable and greatly appreciated. This renewed relationship is a testament to the mutual goals we share for the future of our energy sector,” the minister added.

The discussions between ExxonMobil and the Nigerian government also touched on the ministry’s support for international and independent oil operators.

Lokpobiri assured Harris of the government’s support, emphasizing the importance of creating a thriving environment for all stakeholders.

“We fully support ExxonMobil and other international oil companies, just as we do with independent operators. Our collaborative efforts are key to the sustainable growth of our energy sector,” Lokpobiri stated.

This development comes after months of uncertainty surrounding ExxonMobil’s assets in Nigeria.

On May 31, 2024, it was reported that Nigeria might add 480,000 barrels to its daily crude oil output as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and ExxonMobil moved towards resolving their disagreements over the sale of ExxonMobil’s assets to Seplat Energy.

The NNPC had signed a settlement agreement with ExxonMobil regarding the proposed divestment, following intervention by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the crisis that had led to substantial production losses.

Lokpobiri previously stated that Nigeria had lost about $30 billion over the past two and a half years due to the Seplat/ExxonMobil crisis, with a daily loss of around 480,000 barrels of crude oil.

Despite the challenges, the recent affirmations from ExxonMobil and the Nigerian government signal a renewed commitment to the country’s energy sector and a positive outlook for future collaborations and investments.