Regulator sets dates for Lagos pre-bid conference and international roadshows as Nigeria seeks new upstream investments
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that 50 oil and gas blocks across multiple terrains and basins will be placed on offer in the 2025 Petroleum Licensing Round, which officially kicks off on December 1, following presidential approval.
The regulator disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the bid process will be conducted strictly under the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which guides upstream operations and licensing procedures in the country.
According to the Commission, the blocks span onshore, shallow-water, and deepwater environments, providing opportunities for local and international companies to invest in Nigeria’s diverse hydrocarbon landscape.
“The Commission has identified fifty (50) oil and gas blocks across onshore and offshore (shallow and deepwater) terrains spanning across several diverse basins that will be made available to interested investors,” the statement said.
It added that detailed bid guidelines, qualification requirements and block descriptions will be published on the Licensing Round portal once it goes live.
Pre-bid conference, global roadshows scheduled
As part of preparations for the exercise, NUPRC has invited industry players to a pre-bid conference in Lagos on December 17, where stakeholders will receive clarifications on the licensing rules, evaluation criteria and submission timelines.
To widen international participation, the regulator will also host a series of global roadshows across four major energy hubs:
- Dubai – January 5, 2026
- Singapore – January 8, 2026
- Beijing – January 12, 2026
- Houston – January 19, 2026
NUPRC said the international outreach is part of its mandate under the PIA to stimulate upstream investment, expand national reserves and reposition Nigeria as a competitive exploration destination.
“The Licensing Round is a key component of the Commission’s mandate under the PIA to enhance Nigeria’s upstream development, attract investment, and expand national hydrocarbon reserves,” it added.
The regulator said all relevant information, including licensing guidelines, block details and participation instructions, will be available on its portals: www.nuprc.gov.ng and br2025.nuprc.gov.ng upon launch.
Reaffirming its commitment to a transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly process, NUPRC said it looks forward to robust participation from stakeholders.
“It is a great privilege to announce the 2025 Petroleum Licensing Round,” the Commission said, adding that it remains committed to working with partners who uphold the values of excellence, safety and environmental responsibility.
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