The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed that the 2025 Oil Licensing Round will officially begin on December 1, 2025, marking a renewed effort by the Federal Government to boost upstream investments and enhance national crude output.
The announcement was made by the Commission’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, during the Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum held in London on Tuesday.
In a statement shared via the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Komolafe disclosed that the approval for the licensing round aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“We are announcing that we are ready under the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the PIA to commence the 2025 licensing round beginning from December 1, 2025,” Komolafe said.
According to the Commission, the upcoming licensing exercise is structured to unlock undeveloped and fallow oil and gas fields, particularly gas-rich assets, which are expected to play a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.
Komolafe explained that the initiative seeks to scale up upstream production, accelerate revenue generation, and bring previously discovered but unexploited reservoirs into full commercial operation.
The licensing round is also expected to attract both domestic and international investors, signaling Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening its petroleum sector, supporting economic growth, and ensuring energy security.
Further details on application guidelines, bidding processes, and block availability are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
