By John Otoba, in Abuja
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is targeting a ramp up of the country’s crude oil output through its routine, technical process engagement with oil producing companies.
Shut in wells are interrogated, reservoir surveillance is scrutinized and enhanced recovery methods are vigorously embraced, the agency says.
“The Commission recognizes that the formulation of all-inclusive strategies to increase crude oil and gas reserves requires thorough consideration of all factors militating against efficient and effective exploration and production operations”, says Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the NUPRC.
In the six months since he took charge of the new regulatory commission, a creation of the Petroleum Industry Act, “we have become more deliberate and swifter in implementing strategic actions and initiatives aimed at increasing our crude oil and gas reserves and production”, Komolafe explains, adding:
“The Commission has initiated a massive campaign dedicated to the identification of oil and gas wells producing below capacity, through:
- Inventorisation of shut-in wells and analysis of the inventory to map the reasons for shut-in and devise measures for quick reopening;
- Using well and reservoir surveillance activities in identifying poorly performing wells and workover candidates for quick intervention;
- Embracing and adopting new technologies and advanced recovery techniques for unlocking some identified stranded oil and gas resources”.
As much as one like the thought behind this initiative but one will wonder if NUPRC, a regulatory body is now the Operator or the JV partner of the Operator which I think it’s NAPIMS. There is a need to be clear on the responsibilities. NUPRC should of a necessity enhance the competence of their personnel to review and challenge the proposals that an Operator presents to them for well optimisation.