Explorationists Seek Industry-wide Approach to Curb Oil Drilling Lost Time

The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) is calling for a systematic, industry-wide strategy to manage Geological Non-Productive Time (GNPT), a move they believe is crucial for reducing drilling costs, enhancing safety, and achieving Nigeria's oil production targets.

During NAPE's Monthly Technical Session in Lagos, Earth Scientist Dr. Johnbosco Azubuike argued that isolating and managing GNPT separately from other drilling delays could save operators substantial amounts of money per well. He explained that systematic GNPT management involves identifying, measuring, tracking, and analyzing geological events to understand their cost implications. This process, he noted, helps in setting performance benchmarks, tracking progress, and ultimately reducing drilling incidents.

"GNPT is not merely lost time. It is a measurable indicator of subsurface uncertainty within the operational constraints," Azubuike stated. "By implementing systematic GNPT classifications, analysis playbooks and learning loops, operators can transform geologic chaos into structured improvement. The result is higher drilling efficiency, reduced rework and faster progress towards targeted objectives."

NAPE President Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi stressed the risks associated with inadequate subsurface data and blind well re-entry operations by new operators, which can lead to costly failures. She underscored the urgent need for improved drilling efficiency, enhanced geological planning, and greater technical capacity as indigenous companies continue to acquire and operate oil assets previously held by international oil companies.

NAPE's President-elect, Dr. Anthony Ofoma, added that the focus on GNPT aligns with the theme of the association's upcoming 44th annual conference, signaling a continued industry focus on optimizing drilling operations.

“

GNPT is not merely lost time. It is a measurable indicator of subsurface uncertainty within the operational constraints. By implementing systematic GNPT classifications, analysis playbooks and learning loops, operators can transform geologic chaos into structured improvement. The result is higher drilling efficiency, reduced rework and faster progress towards targeted objectives.