The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and its upstream, ExxonMobil are seeking new measures to expand existing operational portfolio.

The move is to increase crude oil production and availability of gas for power generation in Nigeria.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru said the joint venture with ExxonMobil, which until recently was the highest producer of crude oil in Nigeria, was primed to make a rebound.

Dr. Baru was speaking in Abuja after a meeting with some senior officials of ExxonMobil, led by Mr. Jack Williams, the Senior Vice-President of the United States-based global oil Corporation.

Talks on major operational issues
He said the Corporation had advanced talks with ExxonMobil on major operational issues, such as improved drilling to increase production and refurbishment of crude oil pipelines as well as supply of gas to the planned Qua Iboe Independent Power Plant among others.

“More importantly we also discussed their recommitment to supply gas to the domestic market and this is something that is very positive and they are willing; we would quickly roll-out the programme to ensure that sufficient gas comes in for the Independent Power Plant. We also secured a commitment from them to end gas flare at Qua Iboe Terminal and other production areas,” Dr. Baru explained.

Mr. Jack Williams said that ExxonMobil was committed to growing its production in Nigeria safely and with much integrity.

ExxonMobil is set to increase its Joint Venture budget for 2018 operations.