KEY POINTS

• Sahara Group plans to boost oil output to 350,000 barrels daily.
• Seven new rigs to expand Sahara Group operations.
• Partnership with NNPC deepens Sahara Group’s energy reach.

Tope Shonubi, a Nigerian energy billionaire, is in charge of Sahara Group, which is expanding its upstream operations with the goal of increasing crude oil production to 350,000 barrels per day within five years.

The company has acquired seven new oil rigs to drive exploration and production across its Nigerian assets, further reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s largest independent energy players.

Sahara Group expands with new drilling rigs

Leste Aihevba, chief technical officer of Asharami Energy, Sahara’s upstream subsidiary, confirmed the move at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town.

He said the rigs will help the company reach its 350,000-barrel crude oil and 1 billion cubic feet gas daily target. “Two rigs are already in-country, with more to arrive before year-end,” he said. “This expansion marks a major step forward for Sahara Group.”

One of the rigs a 2,000-horsepower land rig named L-Buba has started drilling a gas development well, while another prepares for an oil well. All seven will be operated by Arahas Global Oilfield Services, a Sahara subsidiary.

Oil and gas growth drives Sahara Group expansion

Aihevba said Sahara’s upstream growth combines infrastructure spending, local recruitment, and technology upgrades. “By matching investment in rigs with human capital development and partnerships, we’re making measurable progress toward Africa’s energy transition,” he added.

Sahara has also strengthened its gas and LPG investments.The business bought two big LPG carriers for $142 million in 2023. This made it easier for people in Africa to have cleaner energy for their homes.

Furthermore, Asharami Synergy, its downstream business, is establishing a 30,000-metric-ton LPG terminal in Mombasa, Kenya. This is part of a 31-year public-private partnership with Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd. to make LPG more affordable and available in East Africa.

Sahara Group fuels regional energy infrastructure

In May 2025, Sahara signed a deal with NNPC Limited to expand energy distribution networks across Nigeria. The partnership, according to both firms, will improve nationwide access to gas and power while supporting local job creation.

Tope Shonubi, Tonye Cole, and Ade Odunsi started Sahara Group in 1996. It has since grown from a petroleum trader to a large company that works in several areas of energy and infrastructure. Operating in more than 40 countries with over 4,000 employees, the company now stands among Africa’s most globally competitive, privately owned energy groups.