KEY POINTS
- NUPRC approved 145 new drilling operations and 595 well re-entries in 2026.
- Nigeria had 46 active drilling rigs out of more than 100 available.
- Seismic companies have invested over $100 million since the PIA took effect.
Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has approved 145 new well-drilling operations, 595 well re-entries and 39 field development plans so far in 2026 as the country steps up efforts to increase crude oil production, attract investment and strengthen energy security.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the approvals reflected improvements in regulatory processing, which have helped reduce delays and costs for oil and gas operators.
The figures were disclosed by the commission’s chief executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, at an oil conference in Lagos on Tuesday. She was represented at the event by Ahmad Abdullahi, deputy director of basin administration.
Faster approvals support oil production
Eyesan said the commission had approved about 39 field development plans, 145 new drilling operations and 595 well re-entry activities between January and November 2026.
Field development plans outline how operators intend to develop oil and gas discoveries, including the infrastructure, investment and production activities required to bring resources into commercial operation.
Well re-entry operations involve returning to previously drilled wells to conduct further work, potentially restoring production or accessing additional reserves.
The regulator said faster processing of these applications was helping operators advance projects needed to meet production targets and improve energy availability.
Active drilling rigs increase by more than 300%
Nigeria also has more than 100 drilling rigs, of which 46 have been active this year, according to Eyesan.
She said the number of active rigs had increased by more than 300 per cent compared with 2021, indicating a significant improvement in drilling activity.
A higher number of active rigs could support increased exploration and development, allowing operators to drill new wells, maintain existing fields and improve crude oil production.
The development comes as Nigeria seeks to raise output and maximise the value of its oil and gas resources amid efforts to strengthen the country’s position in the global energy market.
Seismic investments exceed $100m
Eyesan also disclosed that seismic companies had invested more than $100 million in Nigeria since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) came into force three years ago.
Seismic surveys provide underground geological data that help oil companies identify potential hydrocarbon deposits and assess exploration opportunities.
The regulator said the investments had improved the country’s exploration data and supported efforts to discover additional oil and gas reserves.
Better geological information can help operators make more informed investment decisions and reduce uncertainty associated with exploration activities.
Regulator intensifies efforts against crude oil theft
The NUPRC is also working to tackle crude oil theft, which continues to undermine Nigeria’s petroleum production and revenue.
The commission did not provide further details about the latest measures during the conference, but efforts to curb theft remain important to the country’s production ambitions.
Reducing losses from illegal activities, alongside faster project approvals and increased drilling, is expected to support the government’s broader efforts to improve oil output and strengthen energy security.
