A leading United Kingdom-based transparency watchdog has praised Nigeria's oil sector regulator for a landmark move expected to attract billions in new investments. The Global Energy Transparency Initiative (GETI) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its 2025 Licensing Round, describing it as a significant step forward in governance.
Digital Portal and $10bn Investment Boost
The endorsement, issued in a statement on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, follows the Commission's launch of a digital portal for its latest licensing round. The NUPRC, led by Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, unveiled 50 oil and gas blocks across diverse terrains. This initiative is projected to attract an estimated $10 billion in fresh investments over the coming decade.
GETI's Executive Director, Dr. Jonathan Whitfield, signed the statement calling the round a "landmark step." He said the full digitisation of the process represents one of the most extensive transparency measures introduced by any African oil regulator in recent years.
Enhancing Investor Confidence Through Clarity
The organisation highlighted that publishing detailed information on block availability and bidding procedures shows a strong commitment to clarity, which was often missing in past exercises. The offered portfolio includes:
- 15 onshore blocks
- 19 shallow-water blocks
- 15 frontier basin blocks
- 1 deepwater asset
Each block comes with accessible technical data and clear evaluation criteria. According to GETI, this digital shift reduces administrative discretion and builds confidence among international investors. Whitfield added that providing transparent processes from prequalification to bid evaluation reflects a regulatory approach grounded in accountability and predictability.
Broader Impact and a Model for Africa
GETI also welcomed the Commission's projection that the licensing round could add two billion barrels to Nigeria's oil reserves. It could also generate up to 400,000 barrels of daily production once the awarded blocks reach maturity.
The group noted the emphasis on gas utilisation, local job creation, and energy transition considerations as evidence of a "holistic governance framework." This framework balances commercial goals with broader socioeconomic priorities.
The UK watchdog urged the NUPRC to maintain consistency by ensuring ongoing disclosure of contract terms, fiscal frameworks, and beneficial ownership information. It concluded that sustained transparency would solidify Nigeria's credibility and reduce historical perceptions of opacity that have deterred investment.
GETI stated that the global energy community will be watching Nigeria's execution of the next stages. It added that the Commission's reforms, spearheaded by Gbenga Komolafe, could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to modernise their upstream oil and gas regulatory systems.
