Nigerian independent energy company, Oranto Petroleum, founded by Prince Arthur Eze, has been granted a two-year extension to its Ngassa Deep and Ngassa Shallow exploration licenses in Uganda. The extension, signed on December 22, 2023, enables Oranto to conduct exploration and appraisal activities, including drilling an exploration well and, contingent on success, an appraisal well.
Oranto Petroleum had initially received petroleum exploration licenses for the Ngassa Deep and Ngassa Shallow contract areas in 2017 from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda. The recent extension demonstrates Oranto’s commitment to maximizing the additional time granted and ensuring a successful outcome.
Prince Arthur Eze, Chairman of Oranto Petroleum, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government, President Yoweri Museveni, the Ministry, and the people of Uganda. He emphasized the significance of the extension in contributing to the increase of Uganda’s oil volumes. Eze assured the Ministry that Oranto would fulfill the work program within the designated period.
The Ngassa Block, situated in the Hoima District and spanning the Albertine Graben, is the focus of Oranto’s exploration efforts. As one of Africa’s largest privately-held exploration and production groups by acreage, Oranto Petroleum and its sister company, Atlas Petroleum, play a significant role in the continent’s energy landscape.
