ExxonMobil says its Erha deepwater oil project has delivered more than $70 billion in value to Nigeria over the past two decades, with about $23 billion going directly to the Federal Government.

The company shared this during a visit to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja by the Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, Jagir Baxi.

According to ExxonMobil, the offshore facility has produced over 800 million barrels of crude oil since operations began about 20 years ago. The project is operated from a floating production storage and offloading platform and has remained active throughout the period.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the achievement as a major milestone for Nigeria’s deepwater oil industry. He said the long-running project reflects strong technical performance, safety standards, and consistent operations in a challenging offshore environment.

He also praised the project’s contribution to government revenue, job creation, and local capacity development, calling it an example of sustainable production in the sector.

However, the minister urged ExxonMobil to increase focus on gas development alongside oil production. He said expanding gas projects would improve domestic energy supply, boost exports, and increase national revenue.

Ekpo also highlighted that over 95 percent of the workforce at the Erha facility is made up of Nigerians, noting progress in local content development.

He reassured the company of government support under the Petroleum Industry Act, saying Nigeria remains committed to a stable and investment-friendly energy sector.

ExxonMobil, in response, said the Erha project has played a key role in creating jobs, strengthening local expertise, and supporting Nigeria’s energy industry over the past 20 years.