From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that registration and submission of applications for pre-qualification under the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round will close at 4:30 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026, offering investors a chance to access 50 oil and gas blocks across onshore, shallow water, deepwater, and frontier terrains.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission noted that the closure aligns with Section 11.2 of the Licensing Round Guidelines and urged all applicants to ensure full compliance with the submission requirements to avoid disqualification.
The licensing round is part of NUPRC’s broader strategy to boost crude oil reserves and increase Nigeria’s oil production, targeting both domestic and international investors with the capacity and financial resources to manage and explore the blocks.
“The Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round represents a strategic opportunity for investors to participate in the nation’s upstream oil and gas sector while contributing to national energy security and economic growth”, the commission said.
NUPRC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, globally competitive bid process, emphasising that the licensing exercise will uphold fairness, integrity, and adherence to international best practices.
Industry analysts have hailed the licensing round as a major step in attracting investments that could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global oil and gas market, noting that the allocation of blocks could stimulate upstream sector growth and job creation.
With the deadline fast approaching, NUPRC expects a surge in applications from investors seeking to secure a stake in one of the largest licensing rounds in recent years, highlighting the growing confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
