Nigeria has significantly shortened the approval timeline for restarting dormant oil wells, cutting the process from weeks to just a few hours as authorities push to lift crude output.

Industry sources say the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission now clears applications almost immediately after submission. The accelerated process is part of a broader effort to raise production at a time when global energy prices remain attractive.

The move comes as the country’s oil supply has struggled to rebound. Official data shows Nigeria produced about 1.31 million barrels per day in February, a level still below its potential as Africa’s largest crude producer.

By enabling operators to quickly return inactive wells to service, regulators hope to unlock stranded volumes without waiting for new drilling campaigns, which are more capital-intensive and time-consuming. Many of the affected wells were previously shut due to technical issues, funding constraints, or security concerns in producing areas.

Officials believe the faster permit cycle will encourage companies to prioritise low-cost restoration projects that can add barrels in the near term, helping Nigeria improve revenue flows and meet export commitments.

The policy also signals a shift toward more responsive oversight in the upstream segment, where operators have long complained about slow administrative procedures delaying field activities.

Energy analysts say the success of the initiative will depend on how quickly companies can mobilise crews and equipment to bring the wells back online, as well as the stability of producing regions where some of the assets are located.