Emadeb Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (Emadeb E&P) has opened a defining chapter in Nigeria’s energy landscape with the successful attainment of first oil from the Ibom Field (PPL 236).
More than an operational milestone, the achievement signals the growing technical depth, resilience, and ambition of Nigeria’s indigenous upstream operators.
Rather than simply announcing new production, Emadeb E&P’s breakthrough speaks to years of disciplined investment, engineering precision, and collaborative alignment with government regulators. It reinforces the company’s transition into a fully integrated energy player while advancing national priorities around energy security and increased crude oil output.
Discovered in 1979 and situated roughly 30 kilometres offshore, the Ibom Field holds an estimated 103 million barrels of oil in place. Since securing the asset during the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, Emadeb E&P has committed more than $100 million to a phased development programme.
This journey gained formal momentum following the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s approval of the Field Development Plan in November 2024.
The path to first oil was marked by a sequence of technical milestones: the successful drilling and completion of the Ibom-03 well in September 2023; the integration of a Mobile Producing Offshore Unit (MOPU) in June 2025; the commissioning of the mooring system in September 2025; and finally, the commencement of commercial production in October 2025.
For Emadeb E&P’s Chief Executive Officer, Adebowale Olujimi, the achievement reflects more than operational success. “This milestone reflects our deep commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential through homegrown expertise, strong partnerships, and disciplined investment,” he said. “We are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s energy goals, foster local content, create jobs, and deliver sustainable value.”
The Ibom Field development showcases the effectiveness of strategic collaboration between private operators and government institutions, positioning the project as a model for marginal field commercialisation and a demonstration of indigenous capability in the upstream sector. It stands as proof of what is possible when strategic intent is matched with execution excellence.
With first oil now realised, Emadeb E&P is preparing for Phase 2 of the field’s expansion, which includes drilling two additional wells expected to triple production by the fourth quarter of 2026. The company remains committed to operational excellence, environmental responsibility, safety, and meaningful community engagement as it charts its next phase of growth.