Exxon Mobil has announced that it has stated operations at its $1.3 billion project in Nigeria as it looks to increase its production of natural liquid gas out of the African country.

Under the East Area Natural Gas Liquids II project, the firm's local arm, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, intends to recover some 275 million barrels of natural gas liquids from several reservoirs at a rate of around 50,000 a day.

In addition to the increased production, the project is also intended to further the company's 'tradition of strengthening and expanding the capabilities of Nigerian companies', with the local workforce to benefit from training and development programmes and a number of logistical and support services contracts over the coming years.

"The East Area NGL II project was completed ahead of schedule with outstanding safety performance and demonstrates ExxonMobil’s ongoing commitment to helping meet the world's growing need for energy," commented Mark Albers, senior vice president of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

"In addition, this project represents the first time a major oil and gas joint venture in Nigeria has completed a financing package exclusively through Nigerian financial institutions."

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