Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with the successful completion of the first crude oil export from its newly constructed Otakikpo onshore terminal.
The historic export, finalized at approximately 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 8, 2025, saw a vessel chartered by Shell lift the maiden crude cargo from the terminal, located in the Otakikpo marginal field in Rivers State.
This development marks the first privately built and operated onshore crude export facility in Nigeria in over five decades, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s energy landscape.
A Landmark Achievement for Nigeria’s Energy Sector
The Otakikpo terminal, a pioneering project spearheaded by GEIL, represents a bold step forward for African-owned energy ventures. In a statement released on Sunday, GEIL’s Chairman, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, hailed the export as a “historic feat” and a testament to the company’s resilience, technical expertise, and commitment to Nigeria’s energy ambitions. “We are immensely proud of this achievement, which reflects divine grace, the dedication of our indigenous technical team, and the invaluable support of our partners and regulatory agencies,” Adegbulugbe said.
The terminal, completed in under two years at a cost of over $400 million for its initial phase, is a fully indigenous endeavor that underscores Nigeria’s potential to drive innovation in its oil and gas industry. With plans for further investment exceeding $1.3 billion, the facility is poised to become a cornerstone of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Strategic Importance
The Otakikpo terminal boasts an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels, with the potential to expand to three million barrels, and a pumping capacity of 360,000 barrels per day for loading export tankers.
Designed to handle up to 250,000 barrels per day of crude injection, the terminal currently supports the Otakikpo field’s production of approximately 10,000 barrels per day. Beyond its immediate operational scope, the facility offers strategic evacuation options for over 40 nearby stranded oil fields, which collectively hold an estimated three billion barrels of oil equivalent.
Economic and Regional Impact
The terminal’s commissioning comes at a critical time, as global demand for African crude continues to rise. Industry experts predict that the facility will bolster Nigeria’s standing in the international energy arena, creating opportunities for job creation, technology transfer, and economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
The project’s success also highlights the growing influence of indigenous companies in an industry traditionally dominated by multinational corporations.
GEIL’s investment in the Otakikpo terminal aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy goals, including increasing crude oil production and optimizing the utilization of marginal fields.
The facility is expected to catalyze the unlocking of the potential of stranded assets, enabling smaller fields to contribute to national output. “This terminal will play a pivotal role in supporting production growth and improving oil evacuation efficiency,” Adegbulugbe noted.
A Testament to Indigenous Innovation
The Otakikpo terminal stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s capacity for innovation and self-reliance in the energy sector. As the first crude terminal developed by an African private operator, it sets a precedent for future indigenous-led projects.
GEIL’s achievement has been met with widespread praise from stakeholders, with many commending the company’s ability to deliver a world-class facility under challenging conditions.
The successful export on June 8, 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter for GEIL and Nigeria’s oil industry. As the company looks to expand the terminal’s capacity and explore further opportunities, the Otakikpo facility is set to become a linchpin in Nigeria’s quest for energy security and economic diversification.
With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic vision, GEIL is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global appetite for African crude. The Otakikpo terminal not only strengthens Nigeria’s oil export capabilities but also serves as a beacon of hope for the country’s energy future.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Green Energy International Limited’s (GEIL) successful maiden crude oil export from the Otakikpo onshore terminal on June 8, 2025, marks a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. As the first privately built and operated onshore crude export facility in over five decades, the terminal, located in Rivers State, showcases Nigeria’s indigenous innovation and potential.
The facility, completed in under two years, supports the Otakikpo field’s 10,000-barrel daily output and provides evacuation options for over 40 nearby stranded fields holding three billion barrels of oil equivalent. By reducing reliance on offshore terminals, attracting investment, and boosting Nigeria’s crude export capacity, the Otakikpo terminal positions the country as a competitive player in the global energy market, aligning with national goals for production growth and energy security.
