Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its Joint Venture partner, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P), for achieving an exceptional safety milestone. The NNPC/FIRST E&P Joint Venture has recorded 10 million man-hours without a single Lost Time Incident (LTI) across its operations under Petroleum Mining Licenses (PMLs) 53 and 54.
The achievement was celebrated during a dinner and award ceremony held in Lagos. The event brought together key figures in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, including stakeholders, partners, and regulatory officials, to recognize and applaud the outstanding safety performance of the JV. The milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of both the NNPC and FIRST E&P to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental responsibility in their operations.
Speaking at the event, Senator Lokpobiri described the accomplishment as a testament to what can be achieved when safety is prioritized at every level of an operation. He commended the leadership and staff of FIRST E&P, as well as the broader team within the joint venture, for their professionalism, discipline, and consistent focus on risk mitigation.
He emphasized that achieving such a milestone in a high-risk industry like oil and gas is no small feat. According to him, the fact that the JV reached 10 million man-hours without a single incident leading to work stoppage or injury is a reflection of global best practices being applied locally. He added that this level of performance not only protects lives but also supports sustainable development and builds confidence among investors and international partners.
Senator Lokpobiri further stated that the milestone sends a clear message that Nigerian oil and gas companies can operate to the highest international safety standards. He urged other players in the sector to draw inspiration from the achievement and continue to raise the bar in their own operations. According to him, safety is not just a metric to celebrate—it is a culture that must be deeply embedded across all layers of the industry.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals, teams, and service providers who played critical roles in reaching the milestone. Representatives from both NNPC and FIRST E&P expressed their gratitude to employees and contractors for their dedication and adherence to safety protocols. They reaffirmed their commitment to not only maintaining the current safety record but also improving operational efficiency and environmental stewardship in all aspects of their work.
This achievement is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Nigeria is working to attract more investment into its oil and gas sector. A proven track record of safety and performance plays a major role in building investor confidence and enhancing the country’s reputation as a secure and responsible energy producer.
As the industry continues to evolve, the 10-million-man-hour milestone stands as a proud example of what is possible when safety, excellence, and teamwork come together. The NNPC/FIRST E&P JV has set a standard that others in the sector can aspire to—and, more importantly, shown that prioritizing people and safety leads to long-term success.
