Researchers and Experts from the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA, are collaborating with two private operators in the oil industry, Green Energy International Limited, and LekOil Joint Venture (JV), under the aegis of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ,NCDMB in a joint research initiative to advance hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in the Otakikpo Field, Niger Delta.
This strategic partnership whose Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was facilitated by the NCDMB , marks the beginning of a five-year long research ,with FUTA as the academic research partner , that is expected to address critical challenges in hydrocarbon exploration in the oil sector of the country.
Members of the Joint Venture which commenced in October 2022, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 visited the University for an on-site assessment of the progress of the project and a technical interaction with the FUTA research team on the project comprising the University’s Director of the Centre for Research and Development, Professor Kenneth Alaneme, who is also the focal officer , Prof. Mrs. Mary Olowokere Prof. John Amigun, Prof. Saka Opeloye, Prof. Francis Akinluyi ,Dr. Osazuwa Ogbahon and Dr. Olubola Abiola. During the session , Professor Alaneme noted that the Otakikpo Joint Venture is committed to funding a comprehensive reservoir study in the Otakikpo Field, OML 11, with the goal of addressing critical challenges in hydrocarbon exploration. The research focuses on utilizing seismic and well data for the delineation, characterization, and monitoring of reservoirs whilst covering crucial areas such as pore-fill prediction and human capital development to enhance the efficiency of oil exploration and mitigate associated risks.
This partnership between Green Energy/LekOil and FUTA underscores a commitment to leveraging local expertise for national development, while promoting safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible exploration practices in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.
Shedding light on the objectives of the Venture, professor Alaneme explained that one of the key objectives of the project was to minimize the risks of drilling dry wells and prevent complications such as blow-outs, stuck pipes, damaged reservoirs, and adverse well completions which can lead to significant financial losses and operational challenges. This , he said aligns with the NCDMB’s mandate, set forth by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content and Development Act (NOGICD) of 2010 to strengthen the local supply chain’s capacity for oil and gas exploration without compromising on quality and safety standards.
He disclosed that the project will allow the development of a prototype software solution designed to predict pore pressure in oil wells prior to drilling, significantly reducing the risks associated with unexpected pressure changes, such as blow-outs, as the designed tool has the potential to transform the way oil and gas operations are conducted, offering a reliable solution for safer and more efficient drilling.
Also, according to him, the successful implementation of this research will not only increase the number of production wells in the Niger Delta but also contribute to a boost in Nigeria's domestic crude oil production and reserves.
Speaking during the on-site visit, Dr. Babangida Jubrin, the Principal Geoscientist on the project from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board noted that he was impressed working with FUTA and that the job was going well. He added that the project was already at an impressive level, noting that it was meant to add value to the nation on the long run. He further praised the University for carrying out what he termed as excellent and quality research.
The Project Manager in Charge of Research and Development, NCDMB, Jonathan Njoku disclosed that FUTA has shown capacity to deliver on the project hence it was chosen. He said FUTA was chosen as a bridge between the academia and the industry to facilitate the translation of research into output that will be used in the oil and gas sector to conduct analysis and verify data that will improve oil production and not end on the shelf. He thanked the Vice Chancellor for the support given the team so far to thrive and anticipated the speedy delivery of the project.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji who received the team thanked its members for seamless collaboration with FUTA. She explained that the University was doing all within its reach to see to the rapid conclusion of the project, stressing the importance of the project in the oil and gas sector, seeing the value and demand placed on oil in Nigeria. She expressed further joy at the benefits students of the University derive from the use of procured facilities from the on-going project for research and thanked NCDMB for finding the University worthy.
The Project , projected to be delivered in the first quarter of year 2025, is expected to strengthen the capacity of local manpower to handle the critical configurations of oil production and related ventures and of course contribute immensely to the economic growth of the nation.
