Buhari orders NNPC to take over operatorship of OML 11 from Shell

President Muhammadu Buhari has given the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) up till April 30, 2019 to take over the operatorship of the entire Oil Mining Lease (OML)11 from Shell Petroleum Development Company.

This directive was contained in a letter from the State House signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari and addressed to the Group Managing Director of NNPC.

The letter dated March 1, 2019, with reference number SH/COS/24/A/8540 stated that NNPC and its flagship oil exploration and production subsidiary, Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) confirm the assumption by May 2, 2019.

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The letter titled, ‘Operatorship of Entire Oil Mining Lease 11,’ read in part, “Kindly note that the President has directed NNPC/NPDC to take over the operatorship, from Shell Petroleum Development Company, of the entire OML 11 not later than 30 April 2019, and ensure smooth re-entry given the delicate situation in Ogoniland.”

It noted that the President has “directed NNPC/NPDC to confirm by 2 May 2019, of the assumption of the operatorship.”

Located in the southeastern part of the Niger/Delta region, the OML 11 contains 33 oil and gas fields out of which eight are producing as per 2017.

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