The process of offshore drilling for gas wells in the Niger Delta has become increasingly costly and demands a highly skilled workforce. To navigate the complexities of this endeavour, it is crucial to meticulously update and monitor fracture pressure data. This includes ensuring that measurements while drilling are accurate, and relying on conventional empirical correlations for reliable predictions throughout the drilling operations. Maintaining these standards is vital to prevent any incidents of Non-Productive Time (NPT), which can lead to significant delays and financial losses. As drillers work to effectively penetrate the depths of the offshore well, they must prioritize the safe delivery of the operation. This involves balancing wellbore pressure against pore pressure while being careful not to exceed fracture pressure at any point in the open section of the well. By adhering to these safety protocols, drillers can protect both the personnel involved in the operation and the surrounding environment, while also ensuring the integrity of the equipment used in the drilling process. To drastically reduce offshore drilling non-productive time and take control of the safety of men and materials on site, the need to calculate and predict fracture pressure is important. These operations are primarily confined to onshore sites and shallow water fields, there is a notable shift occurring as drilling efforts extend into deeper regions of the Offshore Niger Delta. The focus is increasingly on accessing untapped reservoirs located at greater depths. This transition poses both challenges and opportunities for energy companies operating in the area, as they adapt their strategies to navigate the complexities associated with deeper offshore drilling. There is a need to develop a correlation (equation) using offshore Leak-Off Test (LOT) report data that can consistently envisage fracture pressure. Thus, this research adopts the concept of a mathematical modelling technique to develop a new offshore fracture gradient equation from Leak-Off test data tailored for the Niger Delta. The correlation showed a reliable coefficient of determination and was validated against field cases, yielding results comparable to the Leak-Off Test results.

Keywords: Natural Gas Wells, Formation Fracture Correlation, Niger Delta Basin