A leading international energy watchdog has hailed Nigeria's latest oil and gas licensing round as a new global standard for transparency and investor-friendly administration. The United Kingdom-based Global Energy Transparency Initiative (GETI) issued high praise for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
Digital Portal Sets New Benchmark for Africa
The commendation followed the activation of the NUPRC's 2025 Licensing Round Portal at br2025.nuprc.gov.ng. GETI stated that this digital platform signifies a major shift towards world-class transparency and digitalisation within Nigeria's upstream petroleum sector. The round covers a total of 50 oil and gas blocks across diverse terrains, including onshore areas, swamps, shallow waters, frontier basins, and deepwater locations.
In a statement released by its Executive Director, Dr. Jonathan Whitfield, GETI described the initiative as one of the most ambitious regulatory moves by an African oil regulator in recent years. The Commission estimates the round could attract up to $10 billion in fresh investments and boost Nigeria's oil reserves by an estimated two billion barrels over the next ten years.
Transparency and Reform Attract Global Investment
GETI specifically highlighted the NUPRC's decision to digitise the entire licensing process, calling it a key factor in boosting investor confidence. The open disclosure of all bidding stages and the clear segmentation of the blocks—15 onshore, 19 in shallow water, 15 in frontier basins, and one deepwater—were cited as examples of regulatory clarity previously missing.
"Under Engr. Komolafe’s leadership, Nigeria has demonstrated that regulatory openness, clarity, and accountability are essential to attracting credible investors," Dr. Whitfield said. The think tank pointed to reforms that minimise bureaucratic discretion and eliminate opacity, with all stages from prequalification to award being clearly defined and publicly accessible.
Sustaining Reforms for Long-Term Growth
The watchdog urged the NUPRC to maintain these reforms, ensuring transparency continues beyond the bidding stage to include contract publication and beneficial ownership disclosures. GETI also drew attention to the round's projected production potential of 400,000 barrels per day, its focus on gas development, and its emphasis on creating domestic value.
This endorsement follows earlier praise from the Centre for Energy Market Stability and Reforms, which also commended the NUPRC for far-reaching governance reforms. GETI concluded that the 2025 Licensing Round stands as an African benchmark, showcasing how digitalisation and transparent policies can reshape energy regulation and position Nigeria at the forefront of upstream sector reform.
