By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has marked a significant milestone in the country’s oil sector with the export of 950,000 barrels of the newly introduced Cawthorne Blend crude, signalling a boost for Nigeria’s revenue and global market presence.
The first shipment was lifted via the FSO Cawthorne, Nigeria’s first new crude oil terminal in 50 years, following its licensing and gazetting by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and environmental stewardship.
Sahara Group welcomed the milestone, commending NNPC for its leadership on OML 18 and the eastern Niger Delta assets, where Sahara Group is a joint operator and partner.
Dr. Tosin Etomi, Head of Commercial and Planning at Asharami Energy, described the crude lifting as a defining moment for the OML 18 partnership and Nigeria’s wider oil sector. “The successful commencement of crude lifting from FSO Cawthorne demonstrates what can be achieved through shared vision, technical discipline, and committed collaboration,” he said.
Etomi noted that the milestone aligns with Sahara Group’s broader upstream strategy focused on building a resilient and scalable production portfolio, optimising assets, fostering indigenous participation, and creating long-term value. He also highlighted the company’s growing oilfield services division as integral to operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainable resource development.
The initiative has received support from regulatory and operational institutions, including the NUPRC, Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, ensuring smooth operations.
Cawthorne Blend, with an API gravity of 36.4, is a light sweet crude similar in quality to Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light, prized by refiners for its high yields of gasoline and diesel. Analysts say the introduction of the new grade could raise Nigeria’s crude and condensate supply from around 1.65 million barrels per day to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day for the remainder of 2026, depending on operational stability and market demand.
The launch is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to increase production, strengthen its standing within the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and overcome longstanding challenges such as crude theft, pipeline vandalism, and security threats in the Niger Delta.
Sahara Group emphasised that sustainable social impact initiatives and community participation remain central to its upstream operations, aligning with global environmental, social, and governance standards while supporting Nigeria’s energy security and production ambitions.
