Agencies commit to seamless regulation, quarterly meetings, and upcoming 2025 licensing round
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have taken a major step toward improving regulatory efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, formalising a renewed partnership during a meeting at NUPRC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting, announced by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, saw both agencies agree to work more closely by nominating representatives to address overlapping regulatory issues and ensure a seamless regulatory process across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
Quarterly meetings to foster collaboration
As part of the agreement, NUPRC and NMDPRA will hold quarterly meetings and maintain regular interactions to strengthen their partnership and promptly resolve any challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan emphasised the importance of synergy between the agencies, describing the oil and gas sector as the “heartbeat of the nation’s economy.” She added:
“Whether we are talking about upstream, midstream or downstream, we are enablers for the industry… We cannot do that if we do not work together because sometimes there is no fine line between upstream, midstream and downstream. This marks the beginning of many more interactions.”
Eyesan also invited NMDPRA CEO Mr. Saidu Mohammed to support the 2025 licensing round pre-bid conference, scheduled for January 14, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, highlighting the round’s potential to attract significant investments and expand Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves.
Shared history, unified vision
In his remarks, Mohammed referred to both agencies as offshoots of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and called for harmonious cooperation, saying:
“We must improve this relationship between brother and sister agencies. Any differences should be resolved internally and amicably.”
The partnership aims to enhance regulatory efficiency, promote investment, and support sustainable growth in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
Pre-bid conference details
The NUPRC has confirmed that the 2025 licensing round pre-bid conference will provide guidance on the implementation timetable, bid package preparation, eligibility terms, and winners’ determination procedure.
Interested participants are encouraged to register via the NUPRC portal at br2025.nuprc.gov.ng, where detailed information on block descriptions and participation instructions is also available.
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