By Obinna Uballa
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that 50 oil and gas blocks across multiple basins will be placed on offer as part of the 2025 Petroleum Licensing Round, scheduled to begin on December 1.
The commission said the bid round, approved by President Bola Tinubu, will be conducted in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, with the aim of deepening upstream investment and boosting Nigeria’s dwindling hydrocarbon reserves.
“The Commission has identified fifty (50) oil and gas blocks across onshore and offshore (shallow and deepwater) terrains spanning several diverse basins that will be made available to interested investors,” NUPRC said in a statement on Friday.
It added that all relevant guidelines, participation criteria, and block details will be uploaded to the licensing portal once the round formally opens.
A pre-bid conference has been scheduled for December 17 in Lagos, with international road shows to follow in Dubai on January 5, Singapore on January 8, Beijing on January 12, and Houston on January 19, 2026.
NUPRC described the licensing round as a central component of its PIA mandate to attract capital, spur upstream development, and expand Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves base.
“Detailed information, including Licensing Round Guidelines, block descriptions, and participation instructions, will be available on the dedicated portal upon launch,” the commission said.
Reaffirming its commitment to an open, competitive, and transparent process, NUPRC said it aims to work with investors who prioritise technical excellence, safety, and environmental responsibility.
“It is a great privilege to announce the 2025 Petroleum Licensing Round,” the commission said, expressing confidence that the exercise will stimulate fresh investment and reposition Nigeria’s energy industry for new growth opportunities.
