Abuja, Nigeria — August 13, 2025 | Nigeria is set to make a significant leap in crude oil production with six major deepwater projects expected to collectively add up to 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the coming years, marking one of the country’s most ambitious oil expansion drives in recent history.
Coordinated under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) cluster development strategy, the projects are designed to maximise offshore production by leveraging existing infrastructure while cutting operational costs. The initiative comes as the Federal Government pushes to reverse output declines caused by pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and years of underinvestment in onshore oil fields.
Key developments include Shell’s Bonga North project, which reached its final investment decision (FID) in December 2024 and is projected to produce about 110,000 bpd. TotalEnergies’ Akpo West will contribute around 14,000 bpd of condensates, while Esso’s Owowo Field is set to deliver up to 150,000 bpd. Other significant ventures include the Zababaza and Etan fields with a combined potential of 150,000 bpd (awaiting FID), Bonga South West/Aparo targeting 190,000 bpd (with FID expected by 2027), and a multi-operator cluster involving Chevron, Shell, and Allied Energies, which aims for 135,000 bpd.
Government officials say these deepwater expansions will be critical in restoring Nigeria’s daily output to above 2.2 million bpd, bolstering foreign exchange earnings and reinforcing the country’s standing in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Industry analysts project that if execution timelines are met, the new capacity will not only boost revenues but also enhance energy security and attract fresh foreign investment — firmly establishing deepwater operations as the powerhouse of Nigeria’s upstream oil sector growth.