Lagos: AMNI International Petroleum Development Company has announced the mobilisation of a drilling rig to the Okoro Field offshore Akwa Ibom, highlighting the increasing influence of indigenous operators in stabilising Nigeria’s crude oil production.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Tunde Afolabi, stated that this development is a significant operational milestone, showcasing the technical capabilities and financial strength of local operators. The Okoro Field, a key asset in AMNI’s portfolio, is undergoing a development program aimed at optimizing output, improving reservoir management, and sustaining base production. The objective is to maintain stable production while increasing peak output to over 12,000 barrels per day.
Afolabi explained that the three-well drilling campaign is part of AMNI’s five-year Strategic Development Plan, focusing on production optimization, accelerated oil development, and expanded gas commercialization. Beyond Okoro, AMNI and its partners are advancing an asset development pipeline valued at over $2.5 billion, with expected peak production exceeding 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This forward-looking portfolio represents a significant long-term investment in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The capital commitment reflects disciplined deployment and long-term planning. Afolabi emphasized that this growth is not symbolic but a tangible execution of a clearly defined long-term strategy. Sustainable growth for indigenous operators is built on operational excellence, prudent capital allocation, and long-term value creation. Operational discipline and responsible asset management are the pillars of AMNI’s growth model.
Continued investment by local operators aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of raising national production towards three million barrels per day, while strengthening domestic technical capacity and reinvestment. Indigenous companies are now central to sustaining output, extending field life, and ensuring reinvestment within the domestic economy. AMNI is also advancing the development of the Tubu oil field alongside accelerated gas initiatives to deepen domestic energy utilization and support industrial growth.
The Okoro campaign signals resilience, investor confidence, and sustained commitment to Nigeria’s upstream future. AMNI’s integrated oil and gas development approach is designed to enhance supply reliability and support Nigeria’s energy security.