Investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous oil operators has received a significant boost following the endorsement of Petralon Energy by Shell Western Supply and Trading. The global trading unit praised Petralon’s ability to acquire, develop, finance, and operate oil and gas assets efficiently, signalling growing trust in local operators.
The recognition was announced during a London event celebrating Petralon Energy’s first oil at the Dawes Island Field, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s marginal field programme. Rodrigo Teixeira de Abreu, CEO of Shell Western Supply and Trading, commended Petralon’s leadership and operational discipline in bringing the project from concept to production.
Petralon’s Founder and CEO, Ahonsi Unuigbe, Board Chairman Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, and Chief Commercial Officer Uduak Equere were present to witness the endorsement, which validated the company’s rapid transition from licence award in June 2022 to production in just three years.
Since the award, Petralon has drilled multiple wells, brought the DI-2 well onstream, and evacuated approximately 158,000 barrels of crude via the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal. The DI-3 well has reached total depth and is expected to come online before the end of Q1 2026, while DI-4 is planned later in the year. The company is stabilising output from DI-2 and DI-3 and preparing for the next development phase, including additional wells and permanent field facilities.
Energy analyst Quazim Adeniran noted, “Acknowledging the company’s quality leadership and disciplined operational process by Shell Trading is not just a commendation, but a vote of confidence in our oil sector.”
With Shell Trading serving as both crude offtaker and co-financier of the Dawes Island project, Petralon Energy has gained critical market access and financial support, enabling smooth operations and production growth.
The success of Petralon Energy underscores the potential of competent indigenous operators to sustain Nigeria’s oil output, especially as international oil companies divest from marginal fields. Rapid project execution and disciplined operations have positioned the company as a key player in the nation’s oil sector.
Petralon’s achievement sends a clear message: strategic investment in capable local operators is essential to boosting Nigeria’s oil production, sustaining growth, and building investor confidence.
