Nigerian Commission Partners with Seaseis Geophysical for Major Petroleum Exploration
The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has formalized an agreement with Seaseis Geophysical Limited under Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) No. 5. This partnership will enable Seaseis to gather and process new 3D seismic and gravity data in conjunction with the Commission and TGS.
This announcement was made in a statement from the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, following the signing of the agreement at its headquarters the previous day. The PEL 5 license is set to remain valid for a period of three years, allowing the partners to issue data usage licenses, with revenues being shared between Seaseis and the Commission.
The initiative is characterized as a large-scale seismic data collection operation, encompassing approximately 11,700 square kilometers off the eastern coast of the Niger Delta at depths ranging from 400 to 2,800 meters.
Officials indicated that this license aims to deepen the understanding of subsurface conditions, enhance exploration opportunities, and facilitate the efficient development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, all in alignment with the goals established by the Petroleum Industry Act.
The agreement emerges as part of the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to attract investments into the oil and gas sector. Additionally, it signals a commitment to reforming the industry to maximize the benefits of the nation’s extensive hydrocarbon assets.
Commitment to Data-Driven Exploration
During the event, NUPRC’s CEO, Oritumeiwa Isan, emphasized that the issuance of the PEL 5 license signifies the regulator’s dedication to data-driven exploration, transparency, and the creation of long-term value. She highlighted that successful exploration efforts rely considerably on trust in data and processes, asserting that dependable partnerships are crucial for achieving Nigeria’s production and reserve growth targets.
“The PIA allows for licenses to be awarded in non-exclusive areas to contractors prepared to invest in exploration. As the industry’s chief regulator, we must meet our production and reserve objectives, achievable only through committed exploration partnerships,” she stated.
Isan also noted that this agreement underscores the rising interest in exploration activities within Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, indicating a dynamic shift towards collaborative development.
Seaseis Geophysical’s Ambitious Project
The Managing Director of Seaseis Geophysical Limited, Goke Adeniyi, remarked that the PEL 5 initiative represents the company’s largest undertaking in Africa. He revealed that the selected area lies within the outerfold and thrust belt of the eastern Niger Delta, chosen for its high potential despite geological complexities.
Adeniyi further indicated that the project intends to utilize advanced broadband acquisition technology, including the GeoStreamer dual-sensor system, to generate high-quality seismic data. “We are confident that the high-fidelity 3D seismic data acquired will empower operators to evaluate prospects more reliably,” he stated.
