LAGOS, Nigeria – Indigenous oil and gas firm, Petralon 54 Limited, has announced the commencement of drilling operations at the Dawes Island Field in Rivers State, a move expected to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production by an estimated 2,500 barrels.
The drilling activity marks a major operational milestone for Petralon 54, a subsidiary of Petralon Energy Limited, and follows the recent arrival of the OES Teamwork rig to the site. The company is the sole operator of the Dawes Island Field under Petroleum Prospecting License No. 259 (PPL 259), awarded by the Federal Government of Nigeria in June 2022 as part of the country’s marginal field development strategy.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Petralon Energy, Ahonsi Unuigbe, said the drilling operation is the outcome of meticulous planning and is in line with the company’s broader goal to deepen indigenous participation in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
“Drilling an oil well is a complex and capital-intensive process. We are pleased that our efforts and investment are beginning to yield tangible results. This initiative is a testament to our long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy growth and sustainability,” Unuigbe stated.
The Dawes Island Field, located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of Port Harcourt, was formerly part of Chevron’s OML 54. Petralon 54 Limited now holds a 100% interest in the field under the new regulatory framework provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The company disclosed that production is expected to ramp up from the current 400 barrels per day to 2,500 barrels once the well comes on stream. This increased output is part of Petralon’s strategic push to contribute to national oil production and enhance energy security.
In addition to technical operations, Petralon says it has also prioritized stakeholder engagement and community development in the host communities to ensure mutual benefit and operational sustainability.
This drilling campaign aligns with the federal government’s ongoing efforts to encourage indigenous companies to take greater roles in the exploration and production of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
The development comes at a time when the country is seeking to reverse production shortfalls caused by underinvestment and sabotage in the sector, with renewed focus on marginal field operators to bridge the output gap.
