Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, has commenced on-block activities for the $1bn Usan Infill Project in Oil Mining Lease 138, a development expected to add up to 40,000 barrels of oil per day to Nigeria’s crude production.
The company announced the commencement in Abuja on Wednesday at the ongoing NOG Energy Week, describing the project as a key milestone in the development of the Usan deepwater field and one that is expected to sustain and increase production from the asset.
According to ExxonMobil, the Usan Infill Project forms part of the broader Usan Field Development Plan and follows the acquisition and processing of high-quality seismic data in 2024, which identified new investment opportunities within the field.
The company said the project, which represents a cumulative investment of about $1bn by Esso and its partners in OML 138, underscores continued confidence in Nigeria’s deepwater oil sector.
It disclosed that first production is expected within 18 months, describing the project as a short-cycle investment that will significantly increase output from the Usan Floating Production Storage and Offloading facility.
