The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commended ExxonMobil and its partners for committing $1 billion to the on-block activities for the Usan Infill Project in OML 138.

The Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, gave the commendation at the 25th NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The Managing Director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, Jagir Baxi, had announced the investment commitment at the venue which is expected to add 40,000 barrels per day.

Reacting, Eyesan said the announcement was particularly significant because Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria –ExxonMobil’s affiliate – had not undertaken any drilling operation since 2016.

 “With Esso’s last drilling operation dating back to 2016, the resumption of drilling signals renewed potential and value in our deep water acreage,” the NUPRC boss said.

Eyesan said the NUPRC remains steadfast in advancing Nigeria’s portfolio of deep water projects, adding that such developments are essential to achieving national production targets, increasing reserves, sustaining government revenues, and bolstering investor confidence.

In his remarks earlier, the ExxonMobil Nigeria boss, Baxir, praised the NUPRC and other government agencies for their role in facilitating the project.

Esso Exploration and Production is the operator of OML 138, which contains the Usan field. The block is operated under a Production Sharing Contract with NNPC Limited. Co-venture partners in OML 138 include Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Nexen, a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC. 

As a short-cycle investment, the project is expected to sustain and increase production from the Usan field, with first production within 18 months after the seismic data identified the investment opportunity. 

In a related development, the NUPRC on Wednesday 8, July 2026, presented Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) arising from the successful conclusion of the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round and the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round.

Some of the companies that were presented with their awards at the venue include: Broron Energy Limited (PPL 2009), Petroli Energy Marketing and Supply Limited (PPL 269), Sahara Deepwater Resources Limited (PPL 270 and PPL 271) and Tulcan Energy E&P Co (PPL 2008).

Companies whose representatives were not present will have their execution ceremonies scheduled shortly at mutually convenient dates.

In total, the exercise covers 12 successful awardees across 19 Petroleum Prospecting Licenses, comprising a balanced portfolio of deep offshore, shallow water and continental shelf acreages, reflecting the diversity of opportunities offered through the licensing rounds.

According to the NUPRC, the awards represent another significant milestone in Nigeria’s continuing efforts to deepen investment in the upstream petroleum sector, accelerate exploration activities, expand the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves, and create long-term value for the Nigerian economy.

Sen. Ekperike Ekpo (left), Governor Siminalayi Fubara (center) and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (right) at Bille Community

In his remarks, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, commended the collaborative response of the government, assuring the community that their concerns would receive urgent attention.

"The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the gas seepage is brought under control. The requests for potable water, healthcare and firefighting support have been noted and will be addressed,” Governor Fubara said.

The governor further directed an immediate upgrade of the primary healthcare facility in the community to meet medical emergencies resulting from the gas seepage. The delegation subsequently proceeded to Bille community, where relief items were delivered. They also promised to provide potable water, intensive medical outreach and consumables, additional firefighting equipment and support for power supply, while reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government and the industry to restoring environmental safety and protecting the welfare of affected residents.

NUPRC delegates visits the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom HRM Ingo Herbert

Speaking at the place of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, the minister said, “Investigation into the root cause is ongoing, and the Federal Government is fully committed to resolving the issue. We will ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated. We are with you on this.”

In her remarks, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Eyesan, reaffirmed the Commission's determination to identifying the source of the seepage through a scientifically comprehensive investigation while ensuring that emergency humanitarian needs are addressed without delay.

"We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managing the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention. We have engaged an international firm to undertake the final studies, with fieldwork expected to commence before the end of July," she said.

While commending the residents for their understanding, the NUPRC boss disclosed that technical experts from across the oil and gas sector are working jointly with the Commission to resolve the crisis. She assured the community that the Commission would provide regular updates on the investigation.

On immediate relief measures, the CCE said, "Our assessment indicates that the first aquifer has been contaminated, and while we work towards a sustainable long-term solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible.”

While seeking a quick solution to the seepage, the Chairman, Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, asked the government to fulfil its promises quickly so the community could fully reap the benefits of its oil and gas resources.

Promising oil and gas deposits have been found in Plateau State following five years of intensive geological research and exploration, which might be a major turning point in Nigeria's efforts to increase its energy resources outside of its conventional oil-producing regions.

Industry experts, government officials, and investors are excited about the discovery because they believe it has the potential to change the state's economic future and boost the nation's energy sector.

A Major Discovery Following Years of Study

In order to ascertain the state's hydrocarbon potential, a thorough five-year research that included geological surveys, seismic studies, and scientific analysis produced the discovery.

Positive evidence indicating the existence of commercially viable natural gas and oil resources was discovered by researchers. The results have been described as extremely promising, but further investigation and evaluation will be necessary before full-scale production can start.
According to the report, Plateau State is one of Nigeria's new oil and gas exploration frontiers, creating new opportunities for development and investment.

Plateau State's Repercussions

Plateau State may benefit greatly from the finding if the minerals turn out to be commercially viable.
Potential benefits consist of:

• A rise in funding for the energy industry
• The generation of jobs for nearby towns
• Better economic growth and infrastructure
• Increased tax and royalty revenue for the government
• The expansion of related enterprises and industries
Successful exploration may draw both domestic and foreign investors eager to get involved in the state's developing energy sector in addition to the immediate financial gains.

Nigeria's Energy Landscape Diversification

Nigeria's oil output has been mostly centered on the Niger Delta for many years. Reducing reliance on a single producing region and diversifying exploratory efforts could be facilitated by discoveries made in other regions of the nation.
Expanding oil and gas exploration into new locations may help boost the country's energy security while offering additional chances for regional economic growth.
Discoveries like as these, according to industry experts, highlight the significance of sustained investment in geological research and contemporary exploration methods.

There are still obstacles to overcome.

 
Experts warn that locating oil and gas resources is just the first step, despite the positive results.
To ascertain whether the reserves can be produced commercially, more exploration, environmental studies, regulatory permissions, and a sizable expenditure will be necessary before production can start.
Additionally, it will be crucial to ensure that exploration activities are conducted ethically in order to safeguard the environment and local residents.

Focusing on the Future

The discovery has raised hopes for Nigeria's overall energy future as well as the economic possibilities of Plateau State. The state may play a significant role in the nation's oil and gas sector if further research verifies the deposits' commercial feasibility.

For the time being, the five-year study is a promising start that may lead to new investment, employment, and sustainable development opportunities.
All eyes will be on Plateau State as exploration advances into the next stage to see if this fascinating discovery becomes Nigeria's next big energy success story.

There may now be some hope for millions of Nigerians who are struggling with the rising expense of life. Petroleum marketers have reportedly been instructed by the Federal Government (FG) to lower the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also referred to as gasoline.

The action follows weeks of public anger over skyrocketing fuel prices, which have dramatically raised the cost of food, transportation, and doing business. If the directive is completely implemented, it might provide much-needed assistance to businesses and people that are struggling with inflation.

What specifically led to the government's decision, and would Nigerians genuinely notice cheaper gas prices at gas stations? This is all the information you require.

Why the Government is Intervening.

Over the past year, one of the most discussed topics in Nigeria has been fuel pricing. Petrol prices have varied according to market factors such crude oil prices, exchange rates, and supply costs since fuel subsidies were eliminated and the downstream petroleum industry was deregulated.
However, a lot of Nigerians think that the current pump prices are excessively high, making it harder to go about their everyday lives and do business.
The Federal Government has now asked petroleum marketers to examine their prices and make sure that Nigerians profit from any decrease in the cost of fuel delivery, acknowledging the financial difficulties that the country's inhabitants are currently experiencing.

The instruction is a component of larger initiatives to reduce inflationary pressure and increase consumer affordability.

What Is Meant by the Directive?

When market conditions allow, the government's directive is intended to encourage marketers to lower pump prices.
Petrol prices are influenced by a number of factors, according to industry experts, including: • The price of crude oil internationally • Variations in exchange rates
• The cost of importation and transportation
• Costs associated with distribution and storage
• The rivalry between marketers
Instead than keeping larger profit margins, marketers are supposed to pass the savings on to customers if these expenses decrease.
The government's message is very clear: if operating expenses have decreased, then petrol prices ought to adjust accordingly.

Nigerians Expect Quick Relief

Many Nigerians, especially commuters, transportation operators, small business owners, and manufacturers, have embraced the announcement.
One of the industries most impacted by rising gasoline costs is still transportation. Every time the price of gasoline rises, commercial drivers frequently raise their charges, which has an impact on the entire economy.
greater gasoline prices also result in greater production and distribution costs for manufacturers and market vendors, which ultimately raise consumer prices.
A decrease in petrol prices is anticipated by many Nigerians to help curb inflation and make daily living somewhat more reasonable.

Are Filling Stations Going to Comply?

The government's mandate has sparked hope, but how marketers react will be crucial to its success.
Marketers contend that pump pricing should represent actual business costs rather than just government directions because the downstream petroleum sector now functions under a more market driven framework.
If supply costs have actually decreased, some marketers might swiftly lower prices, while others would hold off on doing so until gasoline stockpiles that were previously acquired at higher prices are sold.
Because competition may promote quicker compliance, consumers are therefore encouraged to keep an eye on pricing variations at various gas stations.

Effects on the Economy

Fuel price reductions may benefit more than just gas stations.
Reduced fuel prices could aid in lowering: 

• The cost of transportation
• Costs associated with product distribution
• Businesses' production costs
• The cost of food
• Pressure from inflation
Lower running costs could also help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), many of which rely significantly on gasoline-powered generators because of inconsistent energy.
In addition to increasing corporate profitability, this might foster an atmosphere that is more conducive to investment and economic expansion.

Difficulties Still Exist
Although reduced pump prices would undoubtedly be helpful, analysts warn that Nigeria's petroleum industry is still susceptible to a number of outside influences.

Among them are:
Volatility of Exchange Rates
Importing petroleum goods and paying for logistics become more expensive when the naira declines.

Worldwide Oil Prices
Local fuel costs may rise in tandem with a significant increase in the price of crude oil on the global market.

Disruptions in the Supply Chain
Product supply and prices can be impacted by things like refinery maintenance, transportation delays, and geopolitical crises.

Costs of Distribution
The final pump price that consumers pay is still influenced by transportation, storage, and infrastructure issues.

Because of these facts, while short-term drops are feasible, longer-term economic stability will be necessary to keep fuel prices reasonable.

What Customers Can Expect

Nigerians would be keeping a careful eye on whether gas stations start changing their pricing in the upcoming days.
Drivers may spend less on fuel, transportation prices may progressively drop, and companies may see some respite from growing running costs if marketers follow the government's directive.
However, the current state of the market and the pace at which marketers react will determine the extent and speed of any price drop.

A Step in the Right Direction for Economic Relief

Growing concern over the financial burden on average Nigerians is reflected in the Federal Government's request on marketers to lower fuel prices. The directive is a significant attempt to lessen the burden on individuals and companies, even though it might not be able to address every issue facing the petroleum industry on its own.
Affordable gasoline is more than just a convenience for many residents; it is a crucial element that affects food pricing, business viability, transportation, and general economic well-being.
All eyes will be on petroleum marketers to see if the government's mandate results in actual savings for customers while Nigerians wait for adjustments at the pump. Lower fuel prices might provide a much-needed lift to an economy aiming for increased stability and revitalized growth if they are successfully implemented.