Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) has successfully completed the first crude oil export from its newly constructed Otakikpo onshore terminal, marking a historic moment in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The landmark export was finalized around 2pm on Sunday, June 8, when a Shell-chartered vessel lifted the maiden cargo from the facility located in the Otakikpo marginal field, Rivers State.

The terminal is the first privately built and operated onshore crude export facility in Nigeria in over 50 years.

Describing the milestone, GEIL Chairman Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe said, “This is a proud moment for Nigeria and for African-owned energy ventures. We appreciate the efforts of all our partners and the dedication of our indigenous technical team who worked tirelessly to deliver this project.”

Adegbulugbe credited the project’s success to “divine grace,” the resilience of GEIL’s staff, and the cooperation of regulatory agencies.

Built in less than two years, the facility boasts an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels, expandable to three million barrels, and can pump 360,000 barrels per day for tanker loading. GEIL said the project’s first phase cost over $400 million, with full development expected to exceed $1.3 billion.

“This terminal will not only enhance crude evacuation but also support more than 40 nearby stranded oil fields with over three billion barrels of oil equivalent,” Adegbulugbe added.

Energy analysts say the Otakikpo terminal could strengthen Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure, attract new investments, and reduce dependency on offshore terminals.

GEIL also noted the project aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy objectives by expanding local production capacity and providing alternative evacuation routes.