Nestoil Deploys $28m Drilling Fleet to Boost Oil Production

Nestoil Group has deployed its Pathfinder 500 rig to boost oil production in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42, contributing to increased output from the asset.

The $28 million drilling fleet was mobilised to OML 42 site through Scorpio Drilling International, a strategic business unit of Nestoil Group. The successful operation completed workover operations on two producing wells without any Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) incidents.

Nestoil/Neconde Group Chairman Dr. Ernest Obiejesi described the development as a defining moment for the Group and Nigeria's indigenous drilling capacity. He noted that the rig had remained idle for eight years amid doubts it would ever be deployed for productive operations, making its successful mobilisation a significant achievement.

Obiejesi explained that the decision to invest in the Pathfinder 500 and Scorpio 300 was driven by the need to reduce dependence on hired rigs, which could be difficult and costly to secure within Nigeria's operating environment. He further disclosed that the project, from rig refurbishment to crewing, was executed entirely by Nigerian personnel without foreign partnership or support.

The successful deployment of the Pathfinder 500 now positions Nestoil Group to proceed with its planned in-field drilling programme, Obiejesi said.