Sahara Group Sets Ambitious 350,000 BPD Oil Production Target by 2029
Nigeria’s energy giant Sahara Group has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its upstream operations, targeting daily oil production of 350,000 barrels within the next five years, marking a significant leap in Africa’s energy sector development.
Speaking at the recent Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, Leste Aihevba, Chief Technical Officer of Asharami Energy, Sahara Group’s upstream subsidiary, outlined the company’s comprehensive strategy to achieve this ambitious goal. The plan centers on a substantial infrastructure upgrade, including the acquisition of seven new drilling rigs to enhance production efficiency.
The expansion initiative is already showing concrete progress, with two of the seven new rigs currently in Nigeria and two more expected to arrive before the end of the year. One of these rigs, the advanced 2000 HP Land rig named L-Buba, has begun operations by spudding a gas development well. The second rig is being prepared for deployment to begin drilling an oil development well. Arahas Global Oilfield Services, a Sahara Group company, will manage these operations.
Beyond the production targets, Aihevba emphasized the broader vision for African energy development. “Every refinery upgrade, every gas commercialization project, every power reform and community wealth accretion initiative must be part of a broader continental blueprint,” he stated, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in establishing Africa as a global energy leader.
The company’s strategic plan also includes ambitious gas production targets, aiming for 1,000,000 MMScf/d of gas in Nigeria within the five-year timeframe. This expansion aligns with Sahara Group’s commitment to responsible resource development and local community engagement.
The initiative represents a significant investment in Africa’s energy infrastructure, combining technological advancement with local expertise development. Sahara Group’s approach emphasizes shared prosperity, recognizing host communities and government as essential partners in achieving both local competence and global competitiveness in the energy sector.
Through this comprehensive expansion strategy, Sahara Group aims to contribute significantly to Africa’s energy transition while ensuring inclusive development across the continent’s energy value chain.
