NUPRC Advances 2025 Oil Licensing Round to Bidding Stage

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the advancement of the 2025 oil licensing round to the bidding stage, following the completion of the pre-qualification process. This milestone was confirmed in a statement issued on March 16, 2026, marking the end of the initial screening phase as per the guidelines established for the licensing round.

Eniola Akinkuotu, head of media strategy and communications, stated that the successful applicants will now have access to subsurface data required for bid preparation. The pre-qualification stage was completed on March 17, 2026, and the commission emphasized the importance of credible geological and geophysical data in the bidding process to enhance transparency and reduce speculative participation.

The formal launch of the 2025 oil licensing round is scheduled for December 2025, following approval from President Bola Tinubu. This round will offer 50 oil and gas blocks located across several sedimentary basins, including the Niger Delta, Anambra, Bida, Benu Trough, and Chad Basin, aimed at boosting exploration activities and increasing reserves.