₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has marked a major milestone in the country’s oil industry with the successful export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s production capacity and global market presence.

In a statement released by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said the development strengthens the nation’s portfolio of exportable crude grades and signals its commitment to boosting competitiveness in the international energy market.

The newly introduced Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, falls within the light, sweet category—comparable to the highly sought-after Bonny Light—making it particularly attractive for petrol and diesel production.

The maiden export shipment of 950,000 barrels was lifted on Sunday, April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel, bound for the Netherlands before reaching broader international markets. The cargo was dispatched via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State, enhancing crude evacuation from OML 18 and boosting Nigeria’s operational efficiency and energy security.

According to NNPC, the launch of Cawthorne aligns with the company’s strategy to maximise value from its assets and support the Presidential goal of raising crude production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. The new blend builds on previous additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured approach to optimising production and expanding Nigeria’s crude offerings.

Commenting on the milestone, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the achievement to government policy, effective stakeholder collaboration, and innovative operational strategies.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes,” Ojulari stated.

Gbadugbakun:
Something that the common man wouldn't feel the impact so what's the need.

joyd200:
Commenting on the milestone, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the achievement to government policy, effective stakeholder collaboration, and

joyd200:
6Commenting on the milestone, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the achievement to government policy, effective stakeholder collaboration, and

nairalanda1:
Let's be honest, common man cannot feel impact of crude oil, because Nigeria is not producing, and has never produced the amount of crude that we need to give everybody a good life.

(Note that I did not say that there is no corruption or that government is good, and that tinubu na good leader, so don't go there).

Income from crude is not even enough to provide for one to three states. And yet, that's where 80% of our income comes from.

Even if Nigeria goes up to 10million bpd , it won't improve our life much

The thing that sane nations with saner climes have is a diversified industrial economy that works and a massive tax system that pays into the welfare system, among other things. Countries that rely only on oil, like Saudi and Bahrain and Qatar, can afford to do so because their populations are tiny, and they run the risk of becoming broke if oil prices crash.

Where all your governments have been failing is that they have not developed a diversified industrial exporting economy for Nigeria. Especially APC which promised that in 2015, and has not effing delivered, which is why tinubu is weak

Instead, everyone has been following Awo's lead. Sell raw materials and share money, which leads to a situation where the money would never be enough and where stealing happens at the highest level because the closer one is to where the sharing happens is where stealing happens.

And even if there is no stealing, oil revenue, before we start talking about allocating money, is not up to 150 billion dollars...and most of the time it is below 100 dollars. Nigeria needs something like at least 500 billion dollars revenue for budget issues and so forth.

But since governments no dey wan make us like serious nations, here we are.

Smartjeezy01:
H you are 100% on point. Nigeria we needs to diversify our economy especially in raw materials and bitumen.

nairalanda1:
Not just that, we need to process our raw materials to finished products for export.

(Nigerian government of tinubu never even make a move towards that, sigh).

AnonPoet:
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has marked a major milestone in the country’s oil industry with the successful export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s production capacity and global market presence.

In a statement released by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said the development strengthens the nation’s portfolio of exportable crude grades and signals its commitment to boosting competitiveness in the international energy market.

The newly introduced Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, falls within the light, sweet category—comparable to the highly sought-after Bonny Light—making it particularly attractive for petrol and diesel production.

The maiden export shipment of 950,000 barrels was lifted on Sunday, April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel, bound for the Netherlands before reaching broader international markets. The cargo was dispatched via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State, enhancing crude evacuation from OML 18 and boosting Nigeria’s operational efficiency and energy security.

According to NNPC, the launch of Cawthorne aligns with the company’s strategy to maximise value from its assets and support the Presidential goal of raising crude production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. The new blend builds on previous additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured approach to optimising production and expanding Nigeria’s crude offerings.

Commenting on the milestone, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the achievement to government policy, effective stakeholder collaboration, and innovative operational strategies.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes,” Ojulari stated.
https://applesbite.com/nigeria-achieves-new-oil-export-milestone-with-launch-of-cawthorne-crude/

keemsleek:
Why do you keep blaming tinubu l? All the government from 1960s to buhari, which of them did any thing on diversification so blame all Nigerian president and stop picking out d goat head tinubu. You making good points o love them but blaming one government all the time is not it. From obj till tinubu need cain

nairalanda1:
Let's be honest, common man cannot feel impact of crude oil, because Nigeria is not producing, and has never produced the amount of crude that we need to give everybody a good life.

(Note that I did not say that there is no corruption or that government is good, and that tinubu na good leader, so don't go there).

Income from crude is not even enough to provide for one to three states. And yet, that's where 80% of our income comes from.

Even if Nigeria goes up to 10million bpd , it won't improve our life much

The thing that sane nations with saner climes have is a diversified industrial economy that works and a massive tax system that pays into the welfare system, among other things. Countries that rely only on oil, like Saudi and Bahrain and Qatar, can afford to do so because their populations are tiny, and they run the risk of becoming broke if oil prices crash.

Where all your governments have been failing is that they have not developed a diversified industrial exporting economy for Nigeria. Especially APC which promised that in 2015, and has not effing delivered, which is why tinubu is weak

Instead, everyone has been following Awo's lead. Sell raw materials and share money, which leads to a situation where the money would never be enough and where stealing happens at the highest level because the closer one is to where the sharing happens is wheere stealing happens.

And even if there is no stealing, oil revenue, before we start talking about allocating money, is not up to 150 billion dollars...and most of the time it is below 100 dollars. Nigeria needs something like at least 500 billion dollars revenue for budget issues and so forth.

But since governments no dey wan make us like serious nations, here we are.

Gbadugbakun:
Something that the common man wouldn't feel the impact so what's the need.

nairalanda1:
Let's be honest, common man cannot feel impact of crude oil, because Nigeria is not producing, and has never produced the amount of crude that we need to give everybody a good life.

(Note that I did not say that there is no corruption or that government is good, and that tinubu na good leader, so don't go there).

Income from crude is not even enough to provide for one to three states. And yet, that's where 80% of our income comes from.

Even if Nigeria goes up to 10million bpd , it won't improve our life much

The thing that sane nations with saner climes have is a diversified industrial economy that works and a massive tax system that pays into the welfare system, among other things. Countries that rely only on oil, like Saudi and Bahrain and Qatar, can afford to do so because their populations are tiny, and they run the risk of becoming broke if oil prices crash.

Where all your governments have been failing is that they have not developed a diversified industrial exporting economy for Nigeria. Especially APC which promised that in 2015, and has not effing delivered, which is why tinubu is weak

Instead, everyone has been following Awo's lead. Sell raw materials and share money, which leads to a situation where the money would never be enough and where stealing happens at the highest level because the closer one is to where the sharing happens is wheere stealing happens.

And even if there is no stealing, oil revenue, before we start talking about allocating money, is not up to 150 billion dollars...and most of the time it is below 100 dollars. Nigeria needs something like at least 500 billion dollars revenue for budget issues and so forth.

But since governments no dey wan make us like serious nations, here we are.

nairalanda1:
Well I do blame all governments, but sometimes when one makes some argumets, people label you tinubu supporter, and it is annoying because one doesn't have politics on the mind.

I still blame tinubu for this though. He supported a candidate in 2015 who as it turns out did not diversify the economy because he tinubu wanted to get into power.

Meanwhile many of our past leaders did something similar...take the easy way out or support bad polices in return for power.

When are we going to see leaders acting in Nigeria's interest, even if it is not the popular thing to do.

nairalanda1:
Not just that, we need to process our raw materials to finished products for export.

(Nigerian government of tinubu never even make a move towards that, sigh).

bamayo:
I disagree with that, even if they produce more crude oil than this, it won't affect common man.
if the little we are producing is managed maximally, it will affect the common man

Gbadugbakun:
Something that the common man wouldn't feel the impact so what's the need.

nairalanda1:
Not just that, we need to process our raw materials to finished products for export.

(Nigerian government of tinubu never even make a move towards that, sigh).

Alliswell248:
Are you aware that this government has placed a ban on lithium and Shea butter raw export without any processing?

A simple google search would help your ignorance.

No government is perfect but so far this is the best government in Nigeria.

The micro economy is getting better, but with time the macro economy would improve.

We can't continue the subsidy scam that benefits a few. That subsidy must go,and it has gone forever

nairalanda1:
Let's be honest, common man cannot feel impact of crude oil, because Nigeria is not producing, and has never produced the amount of crude that we need to give everybody a good life.

(Note that I did not say that there is no corruption or that government is good, and that tinubu na good leader, so don't go there).

Income from crude is not even enough to provide for one to three states. And yet, that's where 80% of our income comes from.

Even if Nigeria goes up to 10million bpd , it won't improve our life much

The thing that sane nations with saner climes have is a diversified industrial economy that works and a massive tax system that pays into the welfare system, among other things. Countries that rely only on oil, like Saudi and Bahrain and Qatar, can afford to do so because their populations are tiny, and they run the risk of becoming broke if oil prices crash.

Where all your governments have been failing is that they have not developed a diversified industrial exporting economy for Nigeria. Especially APC which promised that in 2015, and has not effing delivered, which is why tinubu is weak

Instead, everyone has been following Awo's lead. Sell raw materials and share money, which leads to a situation where the money would never be enough and where stealing happens at the highest level because the closer one is to where the sharing happens is wheere stealing happens.

And even if there is no stealing, oil revenue, before we start talking about allocating money, is not up to 150 billion dollars...and most of the time it is below 100 dollars. Nigeria needs something like at least 500 billion dollars revenue for budget issues and so forth.

But since governments no dey wan make us like serious nations, here we are.

Hightablevoice2:
You do not have to be in the common man bracket to at least benefit from Nigeria's wealth. There are tons of avenues that this can serve you as a Nigeria citizen just by being in this country.
There is a saying that " a king announces to renovate his palace, while some are complaining about the wastefulness of such grandeur, the industrious ones are already finding out what they can supply to the king"

When the country has a product that is highly sort after. Pick a sector within than industry, coordinate with 2-3 like minded people, raise capital, and find and work on a plug or service to deliver in that sector. The days of old common man mantra is behind, unless you are still living in the past.

An average Nigerian today has access to a start up capital of 2-3million naira loan. While most have squandered that opportunity and rendered their credit scores useless because of peanuts, and unclear priorities, they keep thinking government will be the one to solve all their life's problem. What government can and will do is provide avenues and opportunities for you as a citizen to help yourself. Politics and government office is a corrupt institution on it's own and all those politicians don't really give much attention to common man plight. We are not in a socialist state. It is free market.
Even in the almighty western countries, government policies favors the Rich more than it does any other classes.

Point is, when you get news like this, identify everything going on in that sector, there's always an opening no matter how small you might think, there is always one. Could be services you can render to them from their drilling site, to refineries gates, ports, all this are interconnected weave, needs one service or the other. Being a Nigerian is enough, as it doesn't necessarily mean you even have to be in the oil and gas sector to partake, doesn't mean you have to be an engineer, a degree holder or what not. Get closer to where that thing is happening, meet people offer your service in aspects that you can and have available to you and your capital structure, it could be food, hospitality, laundry, sewing, grooming, cleaning services, work boots supplier, delivery services, whatever it is that people use in that sector and so forth, know about it and find a space for yourself. While some people may say it is not that easy, that might be true, but in reality nothing is ever quite easy, even armed robbery is not that easy.

Those are just mere instances of how people build on governmental provisions. With a 2mill loan, you can register a company, rent an office in a very cheap and affordable location in Nigeria, register the address as your HQ, if you are planning to expand or just by simply going about it with just your business card, your movement is your satellite address and office, give contacts out, make connections and get contracts. In many instances you are both your own EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE, even when you do have people working for/with you. Learn to move and make deals.. meet people like yourself, pool and invest money together. If it's the oil and gas, you can pool 6million naira for at least close to or a bit more than half Tanker in litres, move it in BLack Markets, there's a lot that is viable and possible. It's not that hard once you understand how the mechanism works.

All those common man songs, na for past Nigeria. If you can read this, speak fluently, communicate your thoughts and express your views in plain simple English, my brother you are no longer a common man. If anyone you know is claiming such, most of the time it is by lack of clarity and priority displacement. Country hard everyday people build houses. Even a Mallam that sells small provision stores which classifies as the absolute common man is making moves, saving up to buy One to Two OKADA to buttress his revenue stream. Same way, a market woman is gradually expanding her shop, while your normal mechanic is already saving up for his second intercity bus. Do not get left behind in the new Nigeria. Everything is not government.

AnonPoet:
https://applesbite.com/nigeria-achieves-new-oil-export-milestone-with-launch-of-cawthorne-crude/