Artificial Lift System in Niger-Delta Oil and Gas Production: A Review

Artificial Lift is the method of introducing energy to a flow channel within completion jewelry to improve flow rate. This is done to when the inflow performance relation (IPR) is less than VLP. Artificial lift systems are essential in sustaining production from mature oil and gas wells where natural reservoir energy is insufficient to transport fluids to the surface. This paper presents a structured review of artificial lift technologies deployed in the Niger Delta, with emphasis on gas lift systems, electrical submersible pumps (ESP), and progressive cavity pumps (PCP). The operational principles, performance capabilities, performance capabilities and limitations of each system are critically evaluated under varying reservoir and well conditions. Furthermore, hybrid artificial lift systems such as ESP-gas lift and ESPCP configurations are discussed as emerging solutions for optimizing production efficiency and improving system reliability. Findings indicate that gas lift offers operational flexibility, ESP provides high production capacity, and PCP is most effective for viscous and sand-prone formations. However, system selection must be guided by reservoir characteristics, fluid properties, and economic considerations. The study concludes that integrated and hybrid lift strategies provide improved production stability in the Niger Delta petroleum system.