Nestoil Reactivates Idle Rig in OML 42 to Boost Nigerian Oil Production

Nestoil Group has reactivated an idle drilling rig in OML 42 to boost Nigeria's oil production. The Pathfinder 500, which had been unused for about eight years, was mobilised by Scorpio Drilling International and completed workovers on two producing wells without any reported Health, Safety and Environment incidents.

The company invested $28 million in the two rigs, with the goal of building local drilling capacity to redevelop OML 42, a legacy asset formerly operated by Shell. The Pathfinder 500 was one of two rigs acquired by Nestoil Group, and it is now operating under the management of Scorpio Drilling International.

According to Dr Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, chairman of Nestoil/Neconde Group, owning rigs allows the company to carry out workovers, revive older wells, and potentially drill new wells as the field matures. The rig refurbishment, crewing, and operation were carried out by Nigerian personnel, with the rig operated by a Nigerian crew.