Nigeria’s crude oil portfolio just got a boost with the official debut of the Obodo medium sweet crude blend on the global market, marking the country’s 27th distinct crude oil grade.
The milestone was confirmed by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), who congratulated Conoil Producing Limited on successfully exporting the first cargo.
“This achievement by Conoil… reflects the positive outcomes of collaborative regulatory support, enabling indigenous players to thrive,” Komolafe said. “The introduction of the Obodo crude blend further diversifies Nigeria’s export portfolio and aligns with the Commission’s strategic objectives to enhance production output, maximize hydrocarbon resources, and attract investment through operational efficiency and innovation.”
Obodo joins an already strong lineup that includes popular Nigerian grades like Bonny Light, Qua Iboe, Forcados, and Bonga. The new medium sweet crude reportedly has a gravity of 27.65° API and a sulphur content of just 0.05%, according to data from Argus Media.
The Obodo field is operated by Conoil Producing Limited and Continental Oil & Gas Limited under a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd for Oil Mining Lease (OML) 150.
Komolafe noted that the NUPRC remains committed to supporting developments that boost energy security and economic resilience: “We are creating a transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly environment that encourages the development of new crude streams and ensures optimal value for the Nigerian people.”
The debut of Obodo comes just months after the introduction of the Utapate blend in August 2024, showing growing momentum in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.
Meanwhile, NUPRC’s latest report shows that Nigeria’s crude oil output increased by 6.06% in April 2025, with average daily production rising to 1.485 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.4 million bpd in March. Condensate production, however, dipped slightly to 197,300 bpd.
With Obodo now in the mix, Nigeria is not only expanding its oil export portfolio but also reinforcing its presence as a major player in the global energy market.
