The Government of South Sudan has rejected a request by a Nigerian oil exploration company, Oranto Petroleum, to renew its Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement for Block B3.

In a statement, South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum of South Sudan said a review of the six-year contract showed the company failed to complete key parts of its work programme. These included outstanding seismic surveys and drilling activities required under the agreement.

The ministry also said the firm did not meet some financial and project obligations outlined in the contract.

The Nigerian firm is privately owned and was founded by businessman Arthur Eze. It operates in several African countries through related companies with multiple exploration licences.

Following the decision, the ministry announced that Block B3 has been reopened for new applications. It invited qualified international and regional oil and gas companies willing to meet contractual standards and commit to timely exploration work.

The development reflects South Sudan’s effort to enforce compliance while seeking new partners to continue exploration activities in the block.