NNPC and NAPE Urge Oil Firms to Optimize Site Surveys for Cost and Safety

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) are calling on oil and gas operators to abandon outdated, generic survey designs. Instead, they urge the adoption of scale-driven, risk-based approaches to significantly reduce costs and operational hazards.

During the NAPE August Technical Session in Lagos, sponsored by Seis-Space Geosciences Ltd, the session chairman and Deputy Manager of Funding Administration at NNPC, Dr. Osim Ogboke, summarized a lead paper. He stressed that strategy and scale must guide every survey. Ogboke explained that many fields now operate as brownfields with existing infrastructure, pipelines, and inherent hazards that must inform planning, vessel selection, and operational limits. For instance, near-shore work in shallow waters might require low-draft vessels for daylight operations, while deeper waters could accommodate larger vessels with more personnel.

Ogboke classified surveys into analog and digital. While multi-beam, side-scan, and magnetometer remain standard, he highlighted that high-risk environments necessitate digital tools like 2D ultra-high resolution seismic and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) deployed close to the seabed. Precision in data acquisition and control is paramount, requiring tools such as velocity probes, DIMCOM patch tests, ISSP for temperature, salinity, and pressure, and Ultrashort Baseline (USBL) for positioning.

"Because all of this is about precision. You don’t want to go there and then you’re dealing with a field that is in this room… you might find yourself acquiring data that is actually in Ajegunle," Ogboke warned, illustrating the critical need for accurate positioning. He also noted that 2D data can reveal artifacts missed by 3D surveys that could pose dangers. For pipeline routes, cutting scope due to risks like unexploded ordinances is ill-advised. Integrating vessels with both geophysical and geotechnical capabilities can reduce mobilization costs, and real-time quality control via tools like Starlink is recommended.

Reginald Ofoegbu, Executive Director of BOCA Energy Resources Ltd, added that industry accidents have proven site surveys are not optional. He urged operators to clearly define scope, assess safety and environmental impacts, and engage experts for tool selection. NAPE President Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi and President-elect Dr. Anthony Ofoma stated that the theme is timely as the industry embraces new technologies to enhance field decisions.

“

Because all of this is about precision. You don’t want to go there and then you’re dealing with a field that is in this room… you might find yourself acquiring data that is actually in Ajegunle.