Nigeria Issues 7,942 Oil Service Permits in Q1 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported the issuance of 7,942 oil service permits and the granting of 49 upstream licenses. This represents a 22.3% decline in permit volume compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, attributed to normal regulatory cycles rather than a slowdown in industry activity.

The report indicates that the major specialist permit categories accounted for 90% of the total permits issued. February recorded the highest activity level with 24 licenses, representing 49% of total licenses issued during the quarter.

Rig-related licenses made up approximately 69% of approvals in this period. The report also noted that Nigeria's active rig count rose from 72 in January and February to 73 in March 2026, reflecting sustained investment in upstream oil and gas operations.

The sector generated N1.23 billion from oil and gas service permits in Q1 2026, indicating stable performance and ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency.