The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, has invited global investors to take part in the 2025 oil and gas licensing round, which offers 50 oil and gas blocks across various terrains, the regulator said at a Lagos conference.
The 2025 licensing round is part of Nigeria’s effort to deepen investment in its upstream petroleum sector under the regulatory framework of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the framework provides a predictable and transparent environment for upstream development.
The invitation was made at the 10th anniversary of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) 2026 held in Lagos, where officials presented the licensing round objectives to industry stakeholders.
Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Chief Executive of the NUPRC, said the 2025 licensing round comprises 50 oil and gas blocks offered across diverse terrains, including onshore, shallow water and frontier areas.
Eyesan said the licensing round is designed to unlock Nigeria’s upstream potential and is supported by a regulatory framework aimed at strengthening governance and investor confidence in the sector.
The NUPRC noted that recent reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act have enhanced regulatory certainty and transparency, and that Nigeria is leveraging renewed global interest in Africa’s hydrocarbon sector to attract credible and technically competent investors.
The licensing round presents opportunities for international and domestic investors to acquire exploration and production rights in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The structured licensing process and regulatory framework are intended to provide clarity for participants about investment conditions.
The invitation to global investors comes amid broader industry efforts to stimulate exploration, expand production capacity and revitalise upstream activities that have seen limited spending in recent years.
Participation in the licensing round could influence future upstream development plans and potentially contribute to additional investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves.
