Agip plans to double Nigerian output by 2004

Jan. 2, 2001
The head of Agip SPA's Nigerian E&P arm said Tuesday the company's oil output will be 450,000 b/d within 3 years, making it the third largest producer in the West African nation, according to the news agency of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.


The head of Agip SPA's Nigerian E&P arm said Tuesday the company's oil output will be 450,000 b/d within 3 years, making it the third largest producer in the West African nation, according to the news agency of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Company Managing Director Claudio Descalzi's said Agip raised its production from 150,000 b/d in 1999 to 200,000 b/d last year by bringing several oil fields on stream through new drilling and production technology."

In addition to bringing Biseni and Nibe fields on flow, Descalzi said Agip had reopened the Idu flow station, which had been shut for several years, as well as increased production from Beniboye and Kwale fields.

He said the company had launched a plan to comply with the government's program to eliminate gas flaring and began an independent power project to help reduce electricity blackouts in the country.

Descalzi said other developments included the start of work at Abo field by Nigeria Agip Exploration, the award of deepwater block 244, and the renewal of Agip Energy and Natural Resources' operating licenses for 20 years.