The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reminded investors that the pre-qualification window for the 2025 Licensing Round will close on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:30 pm. The commission emphasized that all applicants must comply fully with submission requirements before the deadline.

The 2025 Licensing Round, which began in December 2025, offers 50 oil and gas blocks across onshore, swamp/shallow water, and offshore areas. The government anticipates attracting around $10 billion in investments and boosting production by up to 400,000 barrels per day, potentially adding 2 billion barrels of oil output over the next decade.

NUPRC Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, highlighted that signature bonuses for the round now range between $3 million and $7 million. The adjustment aims to lower entry barriers while prioritizing technical competence, credible work programs, financial strength, and prompt production delivery.

Eyesan described the licensing round as more than a bidding process, framing it as a strategic effort to position Nigeria’s upstream sector for long-term investment and technological advancement. She explained that the process is fully structured, transparent, and merit-based, spanning registration, data acquisition, technical bid submission, evaluation, and commercial bid conferences.

With the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the commission seeks to attract serious investors capable of responsibly growing reserves and improving production efficiency across Nigeria’s hydrocarbon basins.