Nigeria’s FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) has partnered with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) in a significant move to explore and potentially develop the Mnazi Bay North Block in southern Tanzania—an area known for its rich gas deposits.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Dodoma, Tanzania. This agreement marks a strategic milestone for both parties, particularly as Tanzania looks to tap into its vast gas resources to boost energy supply and regional integration. The signing ceremony was held at TPDC’s headquarters and witnessed by key government officials, energy sector leaders, and stakeholders.
At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to responsibly and profitably explore the gas potential of the Mnazi Bay North Block. FIRST E&P has committed to funding the technical evaluation phase entirely, underscoring its confidence in the site’s potential and its interest in contributing to Tanzania’s upstream oil and gas industry.
Having established a strong presence in Nigeria with a production capacity of approximately 57,000 barrels of oil per day in collaboration with NNPC Limited, FIRST E&P is now extending its footprint across Africa. The company’s Managing Director, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, emphasized that the venture reflects their broader continental growth strategy, which is built on technical proficiency, a skilled workforce, and a spirit of innovation.
He highlighted Tanzania’s geographical advantage as a natural gateway for regional gas distribution. With supportive policies and the right investments, Adeyemi-Bero believes Tanzania could play a central role in advancing energy connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa, improving access, and enhancing supply security.
“This collaboration goes beyond natural resources,” Adeyemi-Bero said. “It represents a commitment to long-term cooperation, mutual development, and regional progress.”
From the Tanzanian perspective, the agreement is being hailed as a major development. Godluck Shirima, Commissioner for Petroleum and Gas at the Ministry of Energy, linked the partnership to the objectives of the 2015 Petroleum Act, which empowers TPDC to seek joint ventures for the development of petroleum assets.
Shirima identified the Mnazi Bay North Block as a top priority and praised the synergy between TPDC, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), and the Ministry of Energy. He noted this as the first initiative of its kind under Tanzania’s upstream partnership framework.
TPDC’s Managing Director, Mussa Makame, stressed the broader implications for Africa’s energy landscape. With many households still relying on biomass for cooking and heating, he stated that domestic gas development is essential—not just for energy access, but also for environmental and health benefits.
Makame also commended the leadership of African-owned firms like FIRST E&P in reshaping the continent’s energy sector. Their involvement, he noted, promotes local expertise, capacity building, and economic growth.
This expansion into Tanzania is part of FIRST E&P’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its pan-African operations, building on its success in Nigeria through assets like PML 53 and 54.
Sources
