Nigeria will open its 2025 oil licensing round in December as part of efforts to boost exploration and attract new investments into the country’s upstream sector, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced on Friday.
The licensing round will offer several oil blocks across deepwater, shallow water, and onshore basins, aimed at revitalizing output and diversifying investor participation in the sector. The commission said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to maximize the nation’s hydrocarbon resources and enhance revenue generation.
“The upcoming round represents a transparent and competitive opportunity for both local and international investors to participate in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” said Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the NUPRC. “Our goal is to unlock untapped reserves while ensuring sustainability and value addition to the economy.”
As highlighted by Reuters and the Financial Times, Nigeria’s crude production has been recovering gradually in 2025, reaching about 1.5 million barrels per day, up from an average of 1.3 million bpd last year, helped by improved security in the Niger Delta and renewed investor confidence.
The NUPRC added that the December round will prioritize transparency, environmental responsibility, and the inclusion of indigenous firms, as the country seeks to reposition itself as a key energy player on the continent.
