Nigeria has commenced shipment of Obodo crude grade, says NUPRC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the first cargo of its new Obodo crude blend has been shipped.

In a statement by the NUPRC on Tuesday, Gbenga Komolafe, the commission’s chief executive officer (CEO), congratulated Conoil Producing Limited on the successful shipment of the first cargo of the crude blend, which was unveiled in March.

Komolafe said the development represents a major achievement for Nigeria’s upstream sector, highlighting the growing capacity of local operators to play a significant role in the country’s crude oil production and exports.

“The introduction of the Obodo crude blend further diversifies Nigeria’s export portfolio and aligns with the commission’s strategic objectives to enhance production output, maximise hydrocarbon resources, and attract investment through operational efficiency and innovation,” he said.

Komolafe maintained that the achievement by Conoil, under the production sharing contract framework with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, also reflects the positive outcomes of collaborative regulatory support, which empowers local operators to succeed.

“As the regulator of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, the NUPRC remains committed to providing a transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly environment that encourages the development of new crude streams and ensures optimal value for the Nigerian people,” he said.

Komolafe said he looked forward to more milestones of this nature that advance national energy security and economic resilience.