Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, declared force majeure on crude exports from its Erha deepwater field.
The Erha field, located on Oil Mining Lease 133 about 100 kilometres offshore in the western Niger Delta, is one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater assets with a production capacity of about 200,000 barrels per day.
The force majeure followed unexpected damage to the floating buoy supporting crude export operations at the Erha Floating Production, Storage and Offloading facility.
Confirming the development, a spokesperson for Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited said, “The Force Majeure was declared due to unexpected equipment damage at the floating buoy supporting export operations at the Erha FPSO.”
The spokesperson told The Sun that EEPNL is actively working to restore export operations. Relevant stakeholders have been notified, and regular updates are being provided.
The disruption is expected to reduce Nigeria’s crude oil output if it persists, with possible implications for crude exports, foreign exchange inflows and government revenue.
The declaration comes after Nigeria had recorded gradual improvements in crude oil production following efforts to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other operational challenges.
Dare Olawin is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of reporting experience. He began his career as a community reporter and now covers the energy sector, including oil, gas, electricity, and renewables. Dare’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, professional development through workshops and conferences, and a strong commitment to accurate and insightful journalism.
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