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Nigerian oilfield service company Kenyon International has announced the restoration of more than 6,000 barrels of crude oil per day from a previously inaccessible well, in what industry observers describe as another milestone for indigenous participation in the country’s energy sector.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Victor Ekpenyong, disclosed this achievement during the Africa Young Professionals Workshop at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos.
According to a statement, the recovery of production came alongside the successful deployment of Kenyon’s proprietary Sleep Lock technology, which was used to stabilise a collapsing drill hole. Ekpenyong explained that these feats, made possible through strategic collaborations, have positioned the firm as a key responder to oilfield emergencies in Nigeria.
“These innovations save resources, reduce downtime, and strengthen national capacity,” the Kenyon boss said. He added that the breakthrough was not only a technical achievement but also proof that local companies can deliver value and solve complex oilfield challenges when given the opportunity.
Ekpenyong stressed that the development demonstrates the ability of Nigerian firms to rise to global standards, further reducing the dependence on foreign expertise in the oil and gas industry.
Beyond operational capacity, he called for stronger continental collaboration in developing Africa’s next generation of energy leaders. “Africa has the talent and the resources; what we need now is unity of purpose. We need to work as a team with East Africans, South Africans, and Central Africans. When we collaborate, we empower ourselves to become the next generation of energy leaders,” he said.
Kenyon International also reaffirmed its commitment to leadership development, youth empowerment, collaboration, and innovation in the energy industry. The company has been supporting training and scholarship initiatives to prepare young Africans for careers in oil and gas.
The Lagos workshop featured contributions from Society of Petroleum Engineers International (SPEI) President, Olivier Houzé, who spoke on the rising influence of generative artificial intelligence in the global energy sector. Houzé introduced an AI-powered platform developed by SPEI to equip young professionals with the tools, knowledge, and innovative resources needed to address both technical and business challenges in oil and gas.
“Kenyon International continues to invest in the development of young talent through scholarship programmes, technical workshops, and sponsorship of youth-led initiatives, demonstrating its forward-thinking commitment to shaping the future of Africa’s energy landscape,” the company said in its closing statement.
The success comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to increase crude production, curb losses from shut-in wells, and attract new investments to boost revenue. Industry analysts note that indigenous companies like Kenyon are gradually assuming more central roles in energy operations, particularly in well intervention, maintenance, and emergency response.
