Who we are

FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) is a leading integrated energy solutions provider with maximum delivery capacity across the upstream oil and gas value chain, including drilling, well completion, well testing, and production operations.

Two workers putting on protective gear having. a conversation

About FIRST E&P

We are a leading integrated energy solutions provider with exceptional delivery capacity across the upstream oil and gas value chain. Our expertise spans drilling, well completion, well testing, and production operations.

We are committed to establishing ourselves as the most admired independent Exploration and Production (E&P) company, dedicated to contributing to the well-being of Nigerians. Our strategic goal is to set industry standards and excel in operational excellence, ensuring we deliver maximum value and impact in all our endeavors. At FIRST E&P, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.

Our Story

FIRST E&P was founded in 2011 and since then, we have achieved critical milestones through our journey that we are immensely proud of:

Year 2012

Business operations commenced on the 1st of July with 12 employees.

We acquired a 10% shareholding interest in ND Western Limited (equivalent to 4.5% of the working interest in OML 34).

Year 2013

We acquired a stake in the West African Exploration and Production Company Limited (WAEP).

We acquired Chevron's 40% working interest in OML 83 and OML 85

Year 2014

VITOL Group acquired a 10% shareholding interest in FIRST E&P.

FIRST E&P’s affiliate, WAEP emerged as the winning bidder for the SPDC/TEPNG/NAOC JV’s 45% working interest in OML 71 and OML 72.

Year 2017

FIRST E&P secured FID for the development of the Anyala and Madu Fields in OML 83 and OML 85.

Year 2018

Recognition by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources as the 'Most Compliant Nigeria Content Oil Company'.

Full field seismic data was acquired over OMLs 83 and 85.

The NNPC/FIRST E&P Joint Venture took Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development of the Anyala and Madu fields in OMLs 83 and 85.

Year 2019

FIRST E&P won the bid for BlockGH WB 02 License in the Republic of Ghana.

Year 2020

First Oil in Anyala was achieved on 21st October 2020.

FIRST Oil was achieved amidst the COVID19 pandemic, with 3.8-million-man hours with zero Lost Time Incident recorded.

Year 2021

The FPSO Abigail-Joseph, which is anchored at the Anyala West Field within OML 83 commenced offloading and export of oil from the Anyala West Field.

NNPC/FIRST E&P JV undertook its first oil export on 10 January 2021.

Year 2022

15th January 2022: achieved four million man hours with no LTI (Lost Time Incident) milestone.

1st November 2022: Sustained safety record with delivery of 5 million man hours with no LTI.

Year 2023

Over 35 million barrels of oil produced and exported.

Crossed 50th Export Cargo from Abigail-Joseph FPSO and Anyala-Madu Terminal.

Became the first company to secure PIA approval (with partners and regulator).

Year 2024

First Oil in Madu field achieved on 17th April, 2024.

Over 50 million barrels of oil produced and exported.

Our Mission

Our mission at FIRST E&P is to be a deeply technical, commercial, and entrepreneurial organisation with full delivery capability across the entire upstream oil and gas value chain.

Our Values

Professionalism

We always conduct ourselves in a dignified manner in communication, attitude & appearance. Demonstrating competence and skill required for our respective functions.

Honesty and Integrity

We adopt the highest ethical standards in all interactions. We honour our commitments and deliver as promised.

Entrepreneurship

We are delivery focused and hold ourselves accountable for our actions and results.

Safety

We prioritise safety in all activities & operations. This includes the safety of employees and our contractor community. We protect our assets, communities & environment.

Teamwork & Inclusion

We respect everyone’s individuality and value team work, our diverse experiences, ideas and contributions. We value the culture of the communities in which we operate.

What FIRST means to us

Being FIRST is more than a position; it’s a mindset that propels us to continually seek new opportunities and deliver ground-breaking, sustainable solutions. Being FIRST is not about being the earliest; it’s about having a vision that inspires and leads.