The boosting of cooperation and strengthening of Nigeria's longstanding relationship with Eni were discussed at a meeting between Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu and Eni's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, on Monday in Rome.
According to the statement, NNPC and Eni, through subsidiaries Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote new activities to boost Nigeria’s social and economic development.
In 2016, Eni’s equity hydrocarbon production amounted to about 125,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
"Regarding the upstream sector, oil and gas production operations will intensify with an increased focus on development and exploration activities in the onshore, offshore and ultra deep water operated areas," according to the statement.
In the refining sector, both parties agreed to deepen collaboration for the rehabilitation and enhancement of the Port Harcourt refinery.
The statement also read that for power generation, access to energy will be further enhanced by doubling the power generation capacity in the Okpai independent power plant through fast tracking the development of phase II of the plant, making it one of the largest combined cycle power plants in Africa.
The MoU also sets the basis for assessment of the electrical national grid's reliability and of the most efficient renewable energy projects to secure energy accessibility in the country’s most remote areas.
Eni has been operating in Nigeria since 1962 with both onshore and offshore activities.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
gulsen.cagatay@aa.com.tr