Nigerian Oil and Gas Blocks Available in 2026 Licensing Round

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a licensing round for 2026, offering 40 oil and gas blocks for investment. This announcement was made by the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, during the NUPRC’s 5th anniversary celebration in Abuja.

According to Eyesan, the blocks are available across land, shallow-water, and deep-water areas. They are open to investors who have the necessary skills, financial resources, and dedication to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Eyesan mentioned that the guidelines for this licensing round will include a detailed evaluation process, public disclosure of results, and the requirement for bidders to reveal the owners of their companies. Full details about the blocks, qualification criteria, and participation procedures will be published on the NUPRC’s website and a special licensing portal.

She expressed excitement about launching the 2026 Licensing Round, which has received approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Eyesan encouraged both Nigerian and international investors to participate, stating, “Bring your best ideas, your best partners, and your best bids. May the best bids win.”

To boost oil production, Eyesan outlined immediate plans, including restoring over 788,000 barrels per day of production that is currently shut in. She also mentioned the goal of advancing offshore projects worth between $30 billion and $50 billion to final investment decisions and increasing domestic gas delivery to meet full obligations.

In the past five years, the upstream petroleum sector has seen significant improvements due to the transparency and predictability introduced by the Petroleum Industry Act and an executive order from the President.