The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) and FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture have reached a remarkable safety milestone, achieving 10 million Lost Time Incident (LTI)-free man-hours across their operational areas on Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 53 and 54. This achievement signifies a decade of operations without a single incident resulting in lost work time, underscoring the JV’s unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The accomplishment was celebrated at a gala event attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and partners, all recognizing the significance of this feat in a high-risk industry. The celebration not only marked a significant achievement for FIRST E&P but also highlighted the positive impact of collaborative efforts and rigorous safety protocols within the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
The 10 million LTI-free man-hours milestone is a testament to the dedication and diligence of FIRST E&P’s workforce, contractors, and service providers who have consistently prioritized safety in their daily operations. It reflects a culture of proactive safety management, where potential hazards are identified and mitigated before they can escalate into incidents. This proactive approach, coupled with continuous training and awareness programs, has fostered a safety-conscious environment across the JV’s operations. The achievement demonstrates that a strong safety culture is not just a desirable ideal but a tangible goal that can be attained through sustained commitment and concerted effort. The success also underscores the positive impact of a collaborative approach, involving all stakeholders in the pursuit of safety excellence.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), commended FIRST E&P for their outstanding safety record and their contribution to the nation’s energy security. The Minister recognized the significance of this achievement, highlighting it as a testament to the JV’s commitment to operational excellence and a model for other operators in the industry. He emphasized that meticulous planning, coupled with the conscious effort of every staff member, is crucial to achieving such a remarkable safety record. The Minister’s commendation underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of safety in the oil and gas sector and its encouragement of companies to prioritize and invest in robust safety measures.
Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director of FIRST E&P, attributed the success to the collective efforts of the company’s staff, contractors, and service providers. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a shared commitment to safety as the driving forces behind the achievement. Adeyemi-Bero also highlighted the company’s “safety first” culture, which has been ingrained in its operations since its inception nearly 13 years ago. This culture, he explained, is not merely a slogan but a deeply embedded principle that guides every aspect of the JV’s activities. His acknowledgement of the collective effort highlights the importance of shared responsibility in achieving safety targets, emphasizing the role of every individual in maintaining a safe working environment.
Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), expressed his delight at the milestone, attributing it to the JV’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence, professionalism, and vigilance. He also acknowledged FIRST E&P’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil production, highlighting their daily output of over 54,000 barrels. This recognition underscores the JV’s role as a key player in the nation’s energy sector and its contribution to economic growth. Omotowa’s remarks highlight the importance of consistent effort, adherence to professional standards, and constant vigilance in maintaining a safe and productive operational environment.
The celebration of 10 million LTI-free man-hours by the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV serves as an inspiration for the entire oil and gas industry in Nigeria. It demonstrates that achieving and maintaining high safety standards is possible even in a challenging and high-risk environment. This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, a strong safety culture, and the dedication of individuals committed to ensuring the well-being of their colleagues and the sustainability of their operations. The JV’s accomplishment sets a benchmark for other industry players, encouraging them to strive for similar levels of safety performance and contribute to a safer and more productive oil and gas sector in Nigeria. The event served as a platform not just for celebration, but also for reinforcing the importance of safety as a core value and a driver of operational success in the industry.
