Nigeria Records Fresh Oil Milestone As NNPC Exports New Crude Grade

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the successful export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s production capacity and strengthening its footprint in the global energy market.

The national oil firm disclosed this in a statement issued by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, noting that the development represents a major milestone in its drive to expand Nigeria’s portfolio of exportable crude streams.

According to the company, the Cawthorne blend is the latest addition to Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, boasting an API gravity of 36.4.

The NNPC explained that this places it within the light, sweet crude category, similar to Bonny Light, making it highly attractive in the international market due to its superior petrol and diesel yields.

Providing details of the first export, the statement revealed that the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was lifted on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The shipment, loaded onto the MT Eburones vessel, is destined for the Netherlands and onward to the global market.

“The maiden 950,000 barrels cargo was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel. Strategically located offshore Bonny, Rivers State, the FSO enhances crude evacuation from OML 18 and strengthens Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and overall energy security,” the statement read.

The company noted that the introduction of the Cawthorne crude aligns with its broader strategy to unlock value from its asset base and deepen competitiveness in the global oil market.

“The introduction of Cawthorne to the international market underscores NNPC Ltd’s deliberate strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen market competitiveness, and support the Presidential mandate of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030,” the statement added.

It further stated that the new blend builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured effort to optimise production and expand Nigeria’s crude offerings.

Ojulari Hails Tinubu’s Reforms

Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the achievement to ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector.

He also lauded the collaboration among OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and other stakeholders in delivering the project.

Ojulari emphasised that the company remains focused on strengthening partnerships, improving operational discipline, and deploying innovative solutions to drive sustainable growth.

“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited, one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation,” he said.

“We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.”