Nigeria joins Angola ad Africa’s biggest oil drilling markets

Statistics from the June 2023 Offshore Rigs Tracker, which was made public on Monday by Hawilti and the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc revealed that Angola and Nigeria have caught up in terms of crude oil drilling, making both countries the largest markets in Africa.

According to the most recent monthly oil production numbers given by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Nigeria, which has repeatedly lost its position as the top African oil producer due to crude theft and pipeline damage, is finally showing signs of recovery.

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“Nigeria has caught up with Angola to also take the position of biggest drilling market this year, with a total of eight drilling campaigns confirmed offshore in both countries.

“However, activity is likely to remain higher in Angola as most drilling campaigns there are confirmed until the second half of 2024 already to support exploratory, infill, and development drilling,” the report stated.

The Valaris DS-10 for SNEPCo (Shell), the Shelf Drillings Baltic and Mentor rigs for TotalEnergies and First E&P, respectively, were among the oil rigs that had been mobilised offshore Nigeria that had been extended, according to the report.

Furthermore, it mentioned that Shelf Drilling had obtained fresh contracts for the Adriatic I and Sceptre units, boosting Nigeria’s offshore drilling operations.

“The former is for drilling on Oriental Energy Resources Ebok Field scheduled between May and August this year, while the latter is for a much longer, two-year contract for an undisclosed operator.

“In total, Nigeria will see eight offshore drilling campaigns take place this year at any point in time, putting it at the same level as Angola,” the report stated.