Regulator insists on strict compliance as Nigeria targets $10bn investment drive across 50 oil and gas blocks…..
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has announced that registration and submission of applications for pre-qualification under the Nigeria 2025 petroleum licensing bid round will close on February 27.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the commission stated that the deadline for submissions is 4:30pm on Friday, February 27, 2026, in line with Section 11.2 of the Licensing Round Guidelines.
“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission hereby notifies the general public that registration and submission of applications for Pre-Qualification under the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round shall close at 4.30pm on Friday, 27 February 2026,” the statement said.
The regulator urged all applicants to strictly comply with the stipulated documentation and submission requirements within the prescribed timeline, warning that late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
$10bn Investment Target
The 2025 petroleum licensing round officially commenced on December 1, 2025, with the commission projecting that the exercise could attract up to $10bn in fresh investments into Nigeria’s upstream sector.
As part of efforts to make the round more competitive, the Federal Government on December 9 reduced the signature bonus payable for oil blocks to a range of $3m to $7m, a move widely seen as an attempt to stimulate investor interest amid global capital discipline in the energy industry.
On January 28, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission would prioritise quality over quantity in the selection process.
According to her, only bidders with strong technical expertise, solid financial capacity, demonstrable professionalism and credible field development plans would proceed to the next stage of the licensing process.
Eyesan disclosed that 50 oil and gas blocks are on offer across Nigeria’s major basins, providing both indigenous and international investors access to strategic hydrocarbon assets.
The 2025 licensing round forms part of broader efforts to boost upstream activity, strengthen reserves growth and reposition Nigeria as a competitive destination for global energy capital.
About the Author
