NUPRC offers 40 oil blocks in 2026 licensing round after 2025 controversy

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, has announced the 2026 Licensing Round, offering 40 oil and gas blocks to investors.

The development is coming months after the conclusion of the 2025 licensing round, which was marred by controversy.

NUPRC Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this at an event in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to her, the fresh licensing round was launched following the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Minister of Petroleum Resources. “It is with great joy that I announce that, pursuant to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources, the Nigeria 2026 Licensing Round is hereby formally launched,” she said.

Eyesan said the 2026 round offers 40 blocks across land, shallow water and deep water terrains. “So, I invite qualified Nigerian and international investors to come and compete.

Bring your best ideas, your best partners and your best bids.

May the best bids win,” she said.

Recall that 31 companies emerged winners of 37 oil and gas blocks in Nigeria’s 2025 Licensing Round.

However, the licensing round was marred by controversy and allegations.

DAILY POST reports that the convener of the Oil & Gas Professionals Forum, Ayodele Momoh, alleged that two oil blocks were awarded to friends and allies of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the state-owned oil firm, Bayo Ojulari.

However, NNPCL denied the allegations.