The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the winners of the 2025 licensing round, awarding 37 oil and gas blocks to 31 companies. The announcement, made on July 22, 2026, marks a significant step in Nigeria's efforts to boost exploration and production in the oil and gas sector.
Winners and Blocks Awarded
The awarded blocks are spread across the Niger Delta, offshore, and the Chad Basin. Among the winners are Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which secured five blocks, and several indigenous companies such as Seplat Energy, Oando, and First E&P. International oil companies like TotalEnergies and Chevron also won blocks.
According to the NUPRC, the bidding process was transparent and competitive, with a focus on increasing domestic participation and attracting foreign investment. The commission noted that the winners were selected based on technical competence, financial capability, and work program commitments.
Government's Perspective
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, who spoke at the announcement, stated: “This licensing round is a testament to the confidence investors have in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. The awards will enhance our production capacity and contribute to energy security.”
The NUPRC Chief Executive added that the round attracted bids from over 60 companies, with a total of 37 blocks on offer. “We are pleased with the outcome, which aligns with our goal of maximizing the value of Nigeria's hydrocarbon resources,” he said.
Impact on the Industry
Industry analysts expect the new awards to lead to increased drilling activity and production, potentially boosting Nigeria's crude oil output from the current 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to over 2 million bpd in the next few years. The blocks include both shallow water and deepwater assets, with some in the frontier basins.
The licensing round is part of the government's strategy to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and revitalize the upstream sector. It is also expected to create jobs and stimulate local content development.
Details of the Licensing Round
The 2025 licensing round, which opened in January 2025, offered 37 blocks across three categories: 12 in the Niger Delta, 15 in the deep offshore, and 10 in the Chad Basin. The government set a minimum signature bonus of $10 million for onshore blocks and $25 million for offshore blocks.
Winners are required to pay the signature bonus within 30 days and submit a detailed work program within 90 days. Failure to comply may result in revocation of the award.
The NUPRC has also announced that a portion of the signature bonuses will be directed to the Host Communities Development Trust Fund, as stipulated by the PIA.
Reactions from Industry Stakeholders
Industry bodies have welcomed the development. The Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) said the round demonstrates the attractiveness of Nigeria's acreage. Indigenous companies expressed optimism about the opportunities for growth. One company representative said: “This award will allow us to expand our portfolio and contribute to national production targets.”
Environmental groups, however, raised concerns about the impact of increased exploration on the Niger Delta ecosystem, calling for strict adherence to environmental regulations.
The NUPRC assured that all awarded blocks will be subject to environmental impact assessments and that operators must comply with the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
