The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Thursday October 9, 2025, received a high-level delegation from Eni at its Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, for strategic discussions aimed at deepening collaboration to boost production, investment confidence and operational efficiency in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The visit underscores the growing optimism within the industry as Nigeria pursues its production target of 3 million barrels per day. The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, welcomed the delegation and reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to driving regulatory efficiency, fostering investment growth, and ensuring a stable, secure operating environment for operators.
“Our rig count has been growing geometrically, reflecting renewed investor confidence. This momentum reinforces Nigeria’s emergence as a preferred destination for upstream investments” Engr. Komolafe stated.
Recent operational gains have strengthened this positive outlook. ENI recorded a 20% production increase at its Abo asset, the company’s first production overrun in decades. This improvement was attributed to reduced vandalism, improved asset security, and enhanced operational capacity, particularly in deepwater operations.
The CCE highlighted that Nigeria’s improving production environment both onshore and offshore is already yielding tangible outcomes.
Komolafe noted that the reduction in vandalism incidents by 90% had unlocked greater asset uptime and boosted operational efficiency across the value chain.
This, coupled with near-full capacity utilisation at Nigeria LNG Train 6 and efforts to fully optimise Train 7, signals sustained momentum in the sector.
The CCE commended ENI for its continued confidence in Nigeria and reiterated the Commission’s dedication to sustaining reforms that support investment growth.
In his remarks, Mr. Luca Vignati, the Director Upstream at Eni, emphasized the positive shift in Nigeria’s operational landscape.
“Nigeria’s production landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 18 to 24 months. This is a credit to the authorities for providing an enabling environment, and to international oil companies that have recognised the opportunity to operate more efficiently. Contrary to popular perception, international companies are not leaving Nigeria they are simply moving further into deepwater operations,” Vignati said.
He added, “For the first time in decades, ENI is producing above budget in Nigeria, with a 20% increase at the Abo asset. This is a clear sign of improved operational stability, reduced vandalism, and growing investor confidence in the country’s upstream sector.”
Located in OML 125 deep offshore, Abo was Nigeria’s first deepwater producing field, operated by Eni’s subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE), through a production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and other partners.
Signed
Eniola Akinkuotu
Head, Media and Strategic Communications
