Esso Celebrates 20 Years of First Production from Erha Field

Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) has marked the 20th anniversary of first oil from the Erha Field located in OML 133, celebrating two decades of safe, reliable deepwater production and its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

Since first production on March 27, 2006, the Erha Field has produced over 800 million barrels of oil and delivered more than 850 crude cargoes, supporting Nigeria’s oil output, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. Over the past 20 years, Erha has generated more than $1 billion in royalties, over $22 billion in taxes, and approximately $300 million in levies, making it one of Nigeria’s most economically impactful deepwater developments.

Since OML 133 was awarded to EEPNL and its partners in 1993, Erha was developed in partnership with the Nigerian Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

Commenting on the milestone, Jagir Baxi, Chairman and Managing Director of EEPNL, said the anniversary reflects the company’s long‑standing commitment to Nigeria’s deepwater sector.

“This anniversary is a celebration of partnership, performance, and shared national progress,” Baxi said. “For 20 years, Erha has consistently delivered energy and enduring economic value for Nigeria, made possible through strong collaboration with government, our co‑venturer, and the dedication of our Nigerian workforce.”

He added that the project has played a vital role in building Nigerian technical capacity through training, employment, and technology transfer, helping to position Nigeria as a respected deepwater producer globally.

“Beyond being a production asset, Erha symbolises the resilience, innovation, and collaboration that have defined Nigeria’s deepwater energy sector for the past two decades,” Baxi said. “It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to safe and reliable operations.”

The Erha development is recognised as one of the most advanced projects of its time, featuring pioneering technologies, including some of Nigeria’s deepest subsea wells and the first deepwater crude oil offloading buoy fully built in Nigeria. Produced via a large Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Erha sets new benchmarks for deepwater development and operations.

Today, Erha is operated by a 95 per cent Nigerian workforce, with over 800 of them supporting offshore operations. The field has played a central role in developing generations of Nigerian technical and operations leaders, while ensuring that the benefits of deepwater oil and gas development extend across the broader Nigerian economy.

“Erha proves that world‑class deepwater operations and strong Nigerian content can grow together,” Baxi said. “It is a clear example of what long‑term investment, stability, and certainty can deliver for the nation.”

As EEPNL marks this milestone, the company reaffirmed its commitment to continued safe operations at Erha and to supporting Nigeria’s long‑term deepwater potential through sustained collaboration and responsible development.