Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria have promised to remain actively engaged in 2006 in the exploration and development of oil and gas in the country, both onshore and offshore. This commitment was made by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Jacques Marraud des Grottes, in his New Year message to staff.

According to him, in line with accomplishing this goal, "the largest volume of high-tech 3D Seismic, ever to be acquired in Deep Water Niger Delta, over 7000 km2 shall be realized by Total and partners, to cover OPLs 221, 222 and 223. Additionally, 1,000KM2 of 3D Seismic, targeting Deep plays is programmed in OMLs 100/102". An aggressive game-plan in the exploration appraisal work has also been put in place.

The Chief Executive also pledged the company's commitment to the development of the Human Capital in the companies; enhancement of the host communities through sustainable development programmes "based upon confidence, mutual respect, transparency", and the imperative of increasing the Nigerian Content in the companies' activities. According to him, Total is fully committed to the realisation of Nigerian Content policy of the Nigerian government in the oil and gas industry.

Other objectives for the year 2006, as outlined by Mr. Marraud des Grottes, include:

• The further development of OML58 with the Upgrade project.



• The Obite-Ubeta-Rumuji gas pipeline and the Obite power generation programme so as to meet on time, gas delivery to the new trains of the NLNG and to further increase power generation in line with the national objective.



• The installation of AMP2 process platform and the start of the delivery of gas from Amenam to Bonny NLNG as well as the interim water injection process.



• Ofon Phase 2 project will enter into the phase of contract awards for construction of platforms and should mobilize all the energies as it is a key project for the zero flaring objective and the increase of the oil and gas production of the NNPC/EPNL Joint Venture.



• Mobilisation of huge technical and financial resources will further enhance delivery on time and within budget the development of Akpo field.



• The finalization of the basic engineering of Usan will permit the launching of the call for tenders to meet on time the FID of this giant field.



• Enter into new phases of developments for Nkarika, Edikan Fields' water injection.

The foregoing objectives are coming against the background of significant improvement in the Health, Safety and Environment performance in 2005; a slight increase in the companies' operated production from 2004; increase in exploration portfolio with the award of OPL 223; farm-in in as operator with 40% in OPL 215 (Noreast concessionaire); farm-in with 16% in OPL 247 operated by Chevron.