NUPRC to Launch 2026 Licensing Round in Q3 2026

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will begin the 2026 licensing round in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, having received approval from President Bola Tinubu in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan stated that the commission is pleased with the conduct of the 2025 licensing round, which saw commercial bids placed in July.

The upcoming licensing round aims to heighten participation and attract investment in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, which has been bolstered by Tinubu's leadership. Dr. Oliv Quinn, Group CEO of Meren Energy, noted that the company prioritizes investment in Nigeria, highlighting its significant financial contributions to the sector.

The NUPRC also confirmed that normal operations resumed following a brief strike by workers, which lasted approximately 12 hours, and assured the public that regulatory functions were not significantly impacted during this period.