Nestoil deploys $28m drilling fleet to boost oil production

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

Nestoil Group has deployed its Pathfinder 500 rig to carry out workover operations on two producing wells in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42, contributing to increased oil production from the asset.

The deployment, carried out through the Group’s strategic business unit, Scorpio Drilling International, marks the first productive assignment of the Pathfinder 500 since its acquisition about eight years ago.

The Pathfinder 500 is one of two rigs acquired by Nestoil Group as part of a combined investment of approximately $28 million. The second rig is the Scorpio 300.

According to a statement issued by the Group over the weekend, the Pathfinder 500 was successfully mobilised to the OML 42 site, where it completed workover operations on the two wells without any Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) incidents before being safely demobilised to base.

It said the successful operation also contributed to incremental oil production from OML 42 and is expected to support the Group’s planned in-field drilling programme.

Chairman of Nestoil/Neconde Group, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi, described the development as a defining moment for the Group and Nigeria’s indigenous drilling capacity.

Obiejesi said the rig had remained idle for eight years amid doubts that it would ever be deployed for productive operations, making its successful mobilisation, incident-free workover campaign and safe demobilisation a significant achievement.

He explained that the decision to invest in the Pathfinder 500 and Scorpio 300 was driven by the need to reduce dependence on hired rigs, which  could be difficult and costly to secure within Nigeria’s operating environment.

According to him, as an asset owner in OML 42, the Group requires reliable in-house drilling capacity to undertake workovers, revive mature wells and ultimately drill new wells as the field develops.

He said the successful deployment of the Pathfinder 500 now positions the Group to proceed with its planned in-field drilling programme.

Obiejesi further disclosed that the project, from rig refurbishment to crewing, was executed entirely by Nigerian personnel without foreign partnership or support.

He noted that the rig is currently operated by a 100 per cent Nigerian crew, attributing the development to decades of capacity building by international oil companies operating in Nigeria.

The Nestoil chairman said the experience had helped position Nigeria as a net exporter of skilled drilling personnel to other oil-producing countries.

He commended the teams at Scorpio Drilling International and others involved in the rehabilitation and operation of the rig.

Obiejesi also said the achievement extends beyond Nestoil Group, noting that Scorpio Drilling International now has two operating rigs and is among companies with rig assets in Nigeria.

“Nestoil Group, through Neconde Energy, holds interests in OML 42 and continues to invest in indigenous drilling, workover and well-services infrastructure to sustain and increase oil production from the asset.

“Scorpio Drilling International operates the Pathfinder 500 and Scorpio 300 rigs and provides drilling services to the Group and third parties across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” the statement added.