Nigeria has caught up with Angola in the drilling of crude oil, as both nations are now the biggest crude oil drilling markets in Africa.
This is contained in data from the June 2023 Offshore Rigs Tracker, released on Monday by Hawilti and the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc.
Angola, had long held the position of top drilling destination on the continent as international oil companies had several rigs mobilised on long-term contracts there to support infill, development, and exploratory drilling in deep-water.
Nigeria lost its position as top African oil producer several times due to repeated crude theft and pipeline vandalism, but is currently showing signs of recovery, going by the recent monthly oil production figures released by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
The oil rigs mobilised offshore Nigeria had been extended, including the Valaris DS-10 for SNEPCo (Shell), and Shelf Drillings Baltic and Mentor rigs, for TotalEnergies and First E&P, respectively.
In addition, Shelf Drilling had also secured new contracts for the Adriatic I and the Scepter units which were providing a boost to Nigeria’s offshore drilling activities.
Nigeria will see eight offshore drilling campaigns take place this year putting it at the same level as Angola.
Managing Director at Caverton Helicopters, Ibrahim Bello, The recovery of Nigeria’s offshore drilling activity is a welcome news as the industry continues to be a main driver of the Nigerian economy.
He added that said such market activity also contributes to the development of other sectors such as search and rescue, VIP transport, and executive charter services.
