Rig licence revocation signals tough stance on safety Consultant
By Kalu blessing
An oil and gas consultant, Dr Maurice Ibe, has said that the withdrawal of the operating licence of Oritsemeyin Rig by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should serve as a clear message to oil firms on the need to uphold strict safety and operational standards. Ibe, who is the Group Executive Chairman of Benham Group, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday that the decision reflected the regulator’s resolve to enforce the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and maintain discipline in the sector.
Read more: Fallen Trailer Triggers Chaotic Gridlock on Kubwa Expressway
The commission, in a letter dated September 11 and signed by its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, revoked the licence granted to Selective Marine Services Limited, operators of Oritsemeyin Rig. The firm was ordered to halt all activities until the completion of its current well operations. The move followed a review of the UDIBE-2 wellbore drilling, where a “kick” was recorded, leading to several non-productive hours, added costs, and a forced sidetrack of the well. The rig has also been disqualified from future renewal protocols in line with the law.
Ibe said the action underscored the seriousness of the regulator in sanctioning erring operators, stressing that firms must strictly observe operational safety, technical competence, and best oilfield practices as stipulated by the Act. He added that serious investors should welcome the measure as a preventive step against incidents that could escalate into disasters for the industry and host communities. A “kick” occurs when unwanted formation fluids, such as oil, gas, or water, flow into the wellbore due to a pressure imbalance during drilling. If uncontrolled, it can result in a blowout.
