• Sahara Group acquired seven new drilling platforms, two already operational, aiming to boost production to 350,000 barrels per day.
• If achieved, Sahara would surpass Seplat Energy, Oando, Heirs Energies, and First E&P to become Nigeria’s largest private oil producer.
• Sahara’s integrated strategy combines exploration, production, and infrastructure development, but its success depends on financing and adherence to OPEC quotas.

Since December 2024, Seplat Energy has led local Nigerian hydrocarbon production following its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil.

Sahara Group acquired seven new drilling platforms, with two already operational, local media reported on October 6. The company aims to raise output to 350,000 barrels per day in the coming years, more than tripling its current production of roughly 100,000 barrels per day.

If the target is achieved, Sahara would overtake Seplat Energy (about 130,000 barrels per day), Oando PLC (37,000 barrels per day), Heirs Energies (50,000 barrels per day), and First E&P (57,000 barrels per day).

The new platforms will be operated by Arahas Global Oilfield Services, Sahara’s drilling subsidiary. The L-Buba platform is already producing gas, while two additional rigs are expected online by year-end.

Sahara pursues an integrated model combining exploration, production, and infrastructure development to strengthen its position in Nigeria’s oil sector. With national output at 1.43 million barrels per day according to OPEC August data, multinational oil companies continue to dominate the market.

Sahara’s strategy reflects a broader push to increase the role of local producers in Nigeria’s petroleum value chain. Realizing these ambitions will depend on securing financing and maintaining consistent drilling in a market constrained by OPEC production quotas.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum