Tinubu Oversees Historic Resolution of 15-year-old OPL 245 Dispute

• To unlock major deepwater investment that’ll add 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production capacity 

• Describes agreement as a strategic milestone in nation’s economic reform agenda

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday supervised the successful conclusion of a historic settlement agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, ENI, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL).

The resolution, according to a release issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was at a closed-door meeting held in the president’s office at State House, Abuja.

The crucial meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer of Eni, Claudio Descalzi; Chief Operating Officer of Eni, Guido Brusco; Head of Sub-Saharan Region, Mario Bello; Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration, Fabrizio Bolondi; and Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen.

The agreement brought to a close the long-standing dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, paving the way for the development of one of Nigeria’s most significant deepwater resources.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, marked the resolution of a dispute spanning more than 15 years and restored clarity and stability to an asset widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s most commercially promising deepwater blocks.

With the dispute now settled, the pathway is clear for Final Investment Decision on the Zabazaba–Etan development, a project capable of adding approximately 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production capacity and strengthening the country’s long-term energy outlook. 

Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to resolving legacy disputes, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring that Nigeria’s natural resources deliver sustainable value to the Nigerian people.

“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the president said.

Tinubu commended all institutions and stakeholders who contributed to achieving the settlement, including Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited, and the leadership of ENI.

The successful resolution underscores the Tinubu administration’s determination to unlock Nigeria’s strategic energy assets, attract responsible investment, and ensure that the country’s resources translate into growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity for Nigerians.

Commenting on the resolution, presidential adviser on energy, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said, “The settlement also represents a significant improvement on the 2011 Resolution Agreement, reflecting the policy framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the administration’s broader fiscal and governance reforms in the energy sector.”

Arowolo-Verheijen added, “The revised terms strike a balanced outcome providing investors with the clarity and predictability required to proceed with major deepwater investments, while ensuring stronger value accretion and safeguards for the Federation.”

The agreement is part of a wider programme of reforms undertaken since 2023 to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets.

The reforms, anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and supported by targeted executive actions, have already contributed to renewed investor interest and significant capital inflows into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Arowolo-Verjeihen stated, “By resolving the OPL 245 dispute, the Federal Government has removed one of the most prominent legacy risks in Nigeria’s upstream sector and reinforced its commitment to predictable regulation, transparent governance, and commercially viable investment frameworks.”