The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called on international investors to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s ongoing 2025 oil and gas licensing round, highlighting the transparent and predictable framework created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos, NUPRC Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the licensing round offers 50 blocks across onshore, shallow water, and deep offshore terrains.
“To facilitate resource access, Nigeria has launched the 2025 licensing round, offering 50 oil and gas blocks across various terrains,” Eyesan said. “This initiative reflects a targeted approach to responsible resource development. We invite capable investors to participate and help realise Nigeria’s promising upstream potential.”
She noted that renewed global interest in African hydrocarbons has boosted the continent’s energy investment outlook. Africa is projected to attract $48–50 billion of the $520 billion in global upstream capital expenditure in 2026 — more than 8% of the total, up from under 4% in previous years.
Eyesan attributed the increase to growing confidence in both frontier basins (such as Namibia and Mozambique) and established plays like Nigeria’s.
While emphasising foreign investment, she also stressed the importance of domestic and regional capital. “Domestic capital brings stronger commitment and stability, creating more opportunities for development,” she said, pointing to the expanding role of African independent operators in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
