It has been 20 years since Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) began producing oil from the Erha Field in OML 133, with over 800 million barrels produced and more than 850 crude cargoes delivered since operations began on March 27, 2006.
 
While marking the anniversary, the company said the field has supported Nigeria’s oil output, foreign exchange earnings, and employment, while generating over $1 billion in royalties, more than $22 billion in taxes, and about $300 million in levies over the period.
 
According to a statement issued by the company, Erha was developed after OML 133 was awarded to EEPNL and its partners in 1993, in collaboration with the Nigerian Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).
 
Chairman and Managing Director of EEPNL, Jagir Baxi, described the milestone as a reflection of sustained collaboration and performance in Nigeria’s deepwater sector.
 
Baxi said: “This anniversary is a celebration of partnership, performance, and shared national progress. For 20 years, Erha has consistently delivered energy and enduring economic value for Nigeria, made possible through strong collaboration with the government, our co-venturer, and the dedication of our Nigerian workforce.”
 
He added that the project has contributed to building local technical capacity through training, employment, and technology transfer, helping 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. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to safe and reliable operations,” he said.
 
The company noted that the Erha development ranks among the most advanced projects of its time, featuring technologies such as some of Nigeria’s deepest subsea wells and the first deepwater crude oil offloading buoy fully built in the country. Production is carried out through a large Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel.