Nigeria’s NUPRC Urges Collaboration to Tap Into 1.6 Billion Barrel Heavy Crude Reserves

In a bid to unlock Nigeria’s vast but underutilized heavy crude oil reserves, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) convened a pivotal industry workshop in Abuja.

The event, attended by key stakeholders from the oil and gas sector, focused on strategizing ways to accelerate the development of the country’s heavy crude assets through collaborative efforts.

Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC, underscored the urgency and potential of Nigeria’s heavy crude reserves, which stand at approximately 1.6 billion barrels, with only a mere 5% currently developed.

Addressing participants, Komolafe said there is a need for a paradigm shift from traditional approaches to a more integrated and collaborative model involving all industry players.

“Heavy crude oil presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria’s energy sector,” Komolafe stated during his keynote speech themed “Entrenching Accelerated Development of Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPL) Assets and Heavy Crude Reserves Through Strategic Partnerships with Technology Drivers and Industry Service Providers.”

He highlighted the distribution of these reserves across different terrains and ownership structures, with a substantial portion located in onshore acreages.

Despite the challenges posed by the high viscosity and sulfur content of heavy crude, Komolafe expressed confidence that with the right technological innovations and collaborative frameworks, Nigeria can effectively harness these resources.

The workshop, a platform for intensive dialogue and knowledge-sharing, also addressed the regulatory frameworks introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.

This legislation aims to modernize the upstream oil and gas sector, streamline licensing processes, and attract new investments.

Participants discussed practical steps to enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster sustainable development practices within the sector.

The event concluded with a commitment to implement agreed-upon best practices that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and environmental sustainability.