The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has launched the 2026 Licensing Round, offering 40 oil and gas blocks for bidding across land, shallow-water and deep-water areas.
Announcing the round in Abuja, NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the blocks are open to Nigerian and international investors with the right technical skills, financial capacity and commitment to develop the country’s petroleum resources.
She said the bidding guidelines, developed in line with NEITI’s advice, will clearly explain how bids will be assessed, ensure wider publication of results and require bidders to disclose their beneficial owners.
The Commission will soon publish the full list of available blocks, qualification requirements and application procedures on its website and a dedicated licensing portal.
Eyesan also said the NUPRC plans to boost oil production by restoring over 788,000 barrels per day of shut-in production, advancing offshore projects worth between $30 billion and $50 billion, and improving domestic gas supply.
She added that the upstream sector has improved over the past five years due to greater transparency and predictability under the Petroleum Industry Act and presidential executive orders.
