President Tinubu Commissions $400M Otakikpo, Nigeria’s First Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal

• A New Era for Otakikpo. A Proud Moment for Lekoil

 

Lekoil Nigeria Limited has recorded a major milestone in its evolution as a key indigenous player in the oil and gas industry, with the commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

The newly commissioned terminal represents a vital export infrastructure through which Lekoil evacuates crude from its Otakikpo field. The project aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms to boost national crude production, strengthen energy infrastructure, and support Nigeria’s broader economic development goals.

Fast Facts: Otakikpo Terminal at a Glance (Courtesy-nuprc)
•🛢 Storage Capacity: 750,000 bbl (expandable to 3 million)
•🚢 Pumping Capacity: Up to 360,000 bpd
•📅 First Export: June 2025
•📈 Volume Exported: 1+ million barrels
•🛠 Stranded Fields Benefiting: 40+
•🏞 Reserves Unlocked: 3+ billion barrels

According to the company, the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal goes beyond physical infrastructure — it stands as “a symbol of progress, credibility, and the determination of indigenous producers to deliver value on a global stage.”

Lekoil’s Chief Executive Officer, Lekan Akinyanmi, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for providing a conducive environment for growth. He described the commissioning as a validation of Lekoil’s long-term commitment to operational excellence and national development.

“The commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal is a proud moment for Lekoil,” Akinyanmi said. “It validates our commitment to building lasting value as an indigenous producer — delivering our crude reliably to the market, supporting our host communities, and advancing Nigeria’s energy ambitions. This milestone reflects who we are — resilient, responsible, and results-driven.”

Lekoil, in partnership with Green Energy International Limited — its joint venture partner on the Otakikpo field (PML 11) — continues to demonstrate that Nigerian-owned oil and gas companies can operate to world-class standards. Together, both firms have shown leadership in resource development, community impact, and contribution to Nigeria’s oil production growth.

With the new terminal now operational, Lekoil is positioned to maximise the vast potential of the Otakikpo field, a prolific area located in the southeastern part of the Niger Delta basin. The facility will enhance secure and efficient crude evacuation, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a reliable and trusted Nigerian crude supplier.

“This achievement underscores Lekoil’s standing as a trusted, responsible operator with a long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth,” Akinyanmi added. “It is another step forward in our vision to become the world’s leading exploration and production company focused on Africa.”

The commissioning of the Otakikpo terminal thus marks a defining chapter in Lekoil’s growth story — one that blends innovation, resilience, and national pride in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.