The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has invited global investors to participate in Nigeria’s 2025 oil and gas licensing round, which offers 50 exploration and production blocks across diverse terrains.
The 2025 oil and gas licensing round was launched on December 1, 2025, by the NUPRC under the regulatory framework of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The licensing round includes 50 oil and gas blocks spread across onshore, shallow water, frontier basins and deepwater areas.
The digital bid portal for interested investors was unveiled to facilitate submissions and deepen transparency in the upstream sector.
In her address at the 10th Anniversary of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) 2026 in Lagos, NUPRC Chief Executive Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said the licensing round offers opportunities for investors under a more predictable and transparent regulatory framework.
Eyesan said the framework established by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 has addressed historical uncertainties and aims to make the sector more investor friendly.
The invitation targets both global and African investors to participate in the round by bidding for the available blocks.
The licensing round follows a two-stage, fully digital process designed to enhance transparency and align with international practices.
Under the round, signature bonuses and other requirements have been structured to lower entry barriers for qualified bidders.
The invitation to global investors could broaden participation in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector and introduce fresh capital into exploration and production activities.
Adoption of a digital bidding system and a predictable regulatory framework may strengthen investor confidence in the licensing process.
The round’s structure under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 reflects ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas licensing regime.
