The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that the 2025 Oil Licensing Round will officially commence on December 1, 2025, following approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
Speaking at the Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum in London, NUPRC Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the upcoming round is aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s undeveloped and fallow oil and gas fields, with a special focus on gas-rich assets that can advance the nation’s energy transition objectives.
“The initiative seeks to accelerate upstream production and bring previously discovered but unexploited fields into commercial operation,” Komolafe said.
The 2025 licensing round follows the successful 2024 exercise under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, in which several indigenous oil and gas firms were awarded Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs). While Nigeria has historically conducted major licensing rounds in 2000, 2005, and 2007, many awarded blocks faced challenges such as technical bottlenecks, funding gaps, and regulatory delays. The PIA framework, according to NUPRC, provides enhanced regulatory clarity, streamlined processes, and investor-friendly terms.
NUPRC emphasized that the 2024 round adhered strictly to digital, technology-driven processes. Commercial bids were submitted through encrypted systems, and results were announced live under the oversight of NEITI and key government stakeholders to ensure transparency and integrity.
Ahead of the December launch, the commission will publish comprehensive guidelines detailing the available blocks, pre-qualification criteria, application procedures, and submission timelines, designed to foster investor confidence and attract both local and international participation.
The move comes amid renewed government efforts to achieve 1 million barrels per day (1MMBOPD) in incremental production. The regulator also reported a sharp resurgence in upstream activity, with rig count rising from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025, signaling increased investment and operational momentum in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The 2025 round is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, facilitate energy transition through gas development, and enhance Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.
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NUPRC Sets December 1 Launch for 2025 Oil Licensing Round
Share The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that the 2025 Oil Licensing Round will officially commence on December 1, 2025, following approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources. Speaking at the Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum in London, NUPRC Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the upcoming round is aimed at…
