On July 8, 2025, a wave of optimism swept through Nigeria’s energy sector as major companies announced plans to commence production from the Ubeta gas and other significant oil fields by 2027. This ambitious initiative, centered in and around Rivers State, promises to invigorate the local economy and solidify the region’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The Ubeta field, located onshore approximately 85 kilometers northwest of Port Harcourt, is at the forefront, alongside other promising developments like the Bonga North and IMA fields, each contributing to a transformative economic outlook.
The Ubeta gas field, situated in the eastern Niger Delta, is a cornerstone of this expansion. Discovered decades ago, its multiple gas reservoirs are now targeted for development through a $550 million project. This initiative will see the construction of six new wells and an unmanned production cluster, expected to generate hundreds of jobs and spur growth in construction, logistics, and related sectors. Governor Siminalayi Fubara has hailed this as a step toward economic diversification, with potential revenues funding critical infrastructure like roads and flood mitigation systems, a pressing need given recent heavy rains that have flooded areas like Rumuigbo, submerging vehicles and disrupting lives.
Complementing Ubeta, the Bonga North field, part of the deepwater Bonga complex, is a $5 billion project led by Shell. Located 120 kilometers southwest of the Niger Delta, this field involves drilling 16 wells and upgrading an existing floating production facility. With an estimated 300 million barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable reserves and a peak output of 110,000 barrels per day, Bonga North is set to enhance Nigeria’s oil exports. While not directly within Rivers State’s territorial waters, its proximity to the Niger Delta encompassing Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states means economic benefits could trickle into the region, particularly through federal allocations.
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Further enriching the portfolio, the IMA field, spanning OMLs 112 and 117, lies in shallow waters off the coast of Rivers State and Akwa Ibom. This field, operated by Amni with a 60% stake alongside TotalEnergies, is poised to contribute additional oil and gas volumes. Legal disputes over revenue deductions have tied it to Rivers State, underscoring its regional significance. The combined output from these fields is projected to bolster Nigeria’s energy supply, supporting both domestic consumption and international markets.
Rivers State’s strategic location continues to attract global energy giants, with ongoing offshore explorations in its maritime zone adding to the momentum. However, the recent flooding, as highlighted by local social media posts, underscores the need for resilient infrastructure. The anticipated revenue from these projects could address such challenges, funding drainage improvements and community development. Local leaders advocate for transparent benefit-sharing, while environmentalists push for strict pollution controls, given the region’s history of ecological strain.
As development progresses toward 2027, Rivers State stands at a crossroads. The Ubeta, Bonga North, and IMA fields, with their substantial reserves and economic potential, could drive prosperity if balanced with sustainability. With careful planning and community engagement, this multi-field initiative could position Rivers State as a model of resource-driven growth in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
