The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reached a key milestone in its 2025 oil and gas licensing round, officially concluding the pre-qualification phase and notifying successful applicants.
In a public statement released on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the commission confirmed that the screening process, guided by the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines, was finalised on March 16, 2026.
Only those applicants meeting the required standards will now advance to the next stage.
The announcement, issued by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communication, stated:
“The NUPRC has completed the pre-qualification stage of the 2025 Licensing Round and notified all successful pre-qualified applicants accordingly on March 16, 2026.”
Starting immediately, qualified participants are permitted to lease essential subsurface geological and geophysical data to prepare their technical and commercial bids. The commission emphasised that data access will remain tightly regulated to maintain transparency and process integrity.
Applicants must obtain data exclusively from the approved sources and submit proof of payment before bids can be lodged. This paid-data requirement is designed to deter non-serious contenders and attract only financially and technically robust investors.
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All remaining stages of the licensing exercise will proceed through the commission’s digital portal to promote efficiency and openness.
Launched in December 2025 with President Bola Tinubu’s approval, the round seeks to draw significant new capital into Nigeria’s upstream sector. It features 50 blocks spread across key basins, such as the Niger Delta, Anambra, Bida, Benue Trough, and Chad, aimed at reviving exploration, expanding reserves, and sustaining future oil output.
The pre-qualification submission deadline passed on February 27, 2026. The process now moves toward bid preparation, submission, evaluation, and eventual block awards.
Industry observers view the round as one of Nigeria’s most significant licensing initiatives in recent times, with the current progress indicating adherence to the established timeline.
Prospective bidders are urged to promptly acquire the necessary data, satisfy all conditions, and develop strong proposals for this high-stakes opportunity.
