Nigeria Set to Launch 2025 Licensing Round in December to Unlock Gas and Oil Assets
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially announced the commencement of the 2025 Licensing Round, scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025. This initiative is designed to unlock Nigeria’s untapped oil and gas reserves, with a particular focus on gas assets, while attracting both local and international investment into the country’s upstream petroleum sector.
Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, announced the Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum held in London. He emphasized that the commencement follows the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Komolafe stated, “We are announcing that we are ready, following the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, to commence the 2025 Licensing Round beginning from December 1, 2025.”
The 2025 Licensing Round aims to accelerate upstream production in Nigeria by bringing previously discovered but unexploited oil and gas fields into commercial operation. The exercise will particularly focus on gas assets, which are considered vital for supporting the country’s energy transition plans and expanding domestic gas supply for industrial and power generation purposes.
Licensing rounds have been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s upstream sector for decades. Major licensing exercises were conducted in 2000, 2005, and 2007, opening opportunities for international and local oil companies to acquire exploration and production rights. In the 2010s, smaller and more targeted licensing rounds focused on marginal fields, deepwater assets, and gas-rich blocks. These licensing rounds have historically been designed to attract investment, stimulate production, and enhance Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves. However, some blocks awarded in previous rounds stalled due to technical, financial, or regulatory challenges, highlighting the need for careful planning and execution in the 2025 round.
NUPRC has committed to publishing comprehensive guidelines ahead of the licensing round. These will include the list of blocks available for award, pre-qualification requirements for interested investors, submission timelines, and detailed procedures to ensure transparency and fairness in the process. The commission aims to provide clarity and confidence to investors, enabling them to make informed decisions while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The 2025 Licensing Round is expected to attract significant attention from global oil majors and indigenous companies seeking to expand operations in Nigeria’s prolific hydrocarbon basins. By unlocking new and underutilized oil and gas fields, the initiative is projected to increase upstream production, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s energy security.
As the licensing round approaches, the Nigerian government and NUPRC are signaling their commitment to improving governance in the oil and gas sector, ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards, and promoting sustainable development of the nation’s natural resources.
The 2025 Licensing Round represents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading oil and gas producers while meeting the growing domestic and international energy demand, particularly in the gas sector.
