Ziggy Ojiegbe

Assala Gabon has commenced oil production from the Grand N’Gongui (GNG) field in the Ogooué-Maritime province of Gabon, marking a key milestone in the company’s upstream expansion strategy.

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The GNG field is estimated to contain a 10–15 metre oil rim within the Gamba formation, with up to 350 million stock tank barrels of oil initially in place. Assala expects peak production to exceed 10,000 barrels of oil per day, with output ramping up through a phased development plan aimed at reducing subsurface uncertainty and maximizing long-term recovery.

The project moved from engineering to start-up in just 12 months, reflecting an accelerated execution timeline. This required parallel progress across engineering and procurement, alongside continuous design adjustments to navigate supply chain disruptions. The company also implemented mitigation strategies to manage constraints that affected equipment sourcing and delivery schedules.

Development of the field involved complex logistics spanning multiple regions, including the deployment of specialized pipeline systems suited to a lagoon environment. Installation methods were adapted to local conditions, requiring tailored engineering solutions to ensure efficient and safe operations.

The start of production follows earlier exploration and appraisal work on the asset. After drilling the NG-3 well in 2022, Assala completed its appraisal campaign in 2025. The company is now advancing a broader phased development plan supported by a recently approved 60-well drilling program.

The GNG start-up strengthens Assala’s production base in Gabon and highlights continued investment in the country’s upstream sector, even as operators focus on cost discipline and operational efficiency.