ExxonMobil Affiliate Esso Launches Permanent Shore Base Facility at LADOL in Lagos
Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL), an affiliate of ExxonMobil, has officially commenced the development of a permanent Shore Base facility at the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL). This strategic move marks a significant long-term investment in Nigeria's deepwater oil and gas sector, with full funding support from EEPNL under a Logistics Base Contract.
Key Features and Infrastructure of the New Shore Base
Upon completion, the facility will become an integral part of LADOL's fully owned permanent infrastructure, serving as EEPNL's primary Shore Base to support operations at the Erha Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The Shore Base is designed to provide critical logistics, warehousing, and supply chain services essential for EEPNL's deepwater activities offshore Nigeria. It will also bolster LADOL's overall capacity as a premier deepwater logistics hub in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at LADOL in Apapa Port, Lagos, was attended by key government stakeholders, including senior officials from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the National Upstream Petroleum Investment Management Services (NUIMS), alongside various industry partners. The facility will feature a modern administrative office, warehouse and storage infrastructure, including covered and overhang storage areas, chemical storage facilities, open laydown areas, and pipe sheds. These elements are specifically designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in deepwater logistics operations.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
Jagir Baxi, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, highlighted the project as a demonstration of long-term commitment to Nigeria's deepwater sector and a strong partnership with LADOL. "This groundbreaking marks an important milestone in our long-standing collaboration with LADOL and our partnership with Nigeria," Baxi stated. "By investing in a permanent Shore Base facility under a Logistics Base Contract at LADOL, we are strengthening the operational foundation that supports Erha production while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's local content aspirations and infrastructure development."
Baxi emphasized that the strategic location of the facility within LADOL will deliver operational and industry-wide benefits. "The proximity of this Shore Base to deepwater assets will improve logistics efficiency and operational readiness. Beyond our own operations, this investment strengthens LADOL's infrastructure base and is expected to attract suppliers, service providers, and investors to expand their in-country presence. It also creates opportunities for shared Shore Base resources that can improve cost efficiency across Nigeria's deepwater industry," he added.
According to Baxi, the development is projected to generate employment opportunities for Nigerians during both the construction phase and throughout the facility's lifecycle. Additionally, it will contribute to the growth of indigenous technical, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, aligning with Nigeria's broader economic and industrial goals.
