December 12 marked a milestone for the Egina project in Nigeria, as an intensive drilling program got under way. Two rigs will be kept busy for a total of 3,000 days, drilling 44 wells in water depths ranging between 1,400 and 1,700 meters. "This is the deepest offshore project ever operated by Total," comments Jean-Michel Guy, Executive General Manager of the Egina Project. "With production of 200,000 barrels per day, it will contribute significantly to achieving Total's 2017 production objectives."

But for Total, Egina also emphasizes Nigerian content. Several thousand local jobs will be created and extensive local infrastructure (mainly yards) will be upgraded or built, contributing to Nigeria's sustainable development. This win-win situation should enable Total to productively pursue a partnership that began more than 50 years ago.

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