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.
Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemyiwa Eyesan, gave the commendation at the 25th NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
According to a statement by the Commission, the investment will unlock 40,000 additional barrels of crude oil in 18 months and signifies renewed interest and hope in Nigeria being Esso’s first major deep water project in the country since 2016.
“It will generate more revenue for the Nigerian people; It will encourage more investments and jobs,” the regulator said.
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.
Esso Exploration and Production is the operator of OML138, 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.
In a related development, the NUPRC on Wednesday 8, July 2026, presented Petroleum Prospecting Licences(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).
In total, the exercise covers 12 successful awardees across 19 Petroleum Prospecting Licences, comprising a balanced portfolio of deep offshore, shallow water and continental shelf acreages, reflecting the diversity of opportunities offered through the licensing rounds.
