Nigeria's Active Rig Count Jumps 40% in March 2026

In March 2026, Nigeria's active rig count rose to 31, marking a 40.9% increase from February's count of 22, according to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The total number of active rigs remained stable at 72 from January to March, with a notable recovery in drilling activity following a sharp decline in February.

The report indicated that the number of standby rigs increased significantly, suggesting many drilling units were temporarily unavailable for operations despite being technically ready. The increase in active rigs is a positive sign for Nigeria's upstream petroleum industry, which is seeking to attract fresh investments and maximize benefits from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The report also highlighted ongoing drilling programs by indigenous companies such as NNPC, Renaissance Africa Energy, and Conoil, reflecting a shift in Nigeria's upstream sector following the divestment of several international oil companies from onshore and shallow water assets.