KEY POINTS
- NUPRC has completed pre-qualification for the 2025 licensing round, advancing shortlisted bidders to the next phase.
- Successful applicants can now access subsurface data under strict guidelines to prepare their bids.
- Lower signature bonuses and digital reforms aim to attract investment and improve transparency in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, has officially shortlisted bidders for Nigeria’s 2025 oil and gas licensing round, marking a critical transition from pre-qualification screening to the competitive bidding phase.
The announcement, made on Tuesday and signed by the Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, confirms that the regulator has concluded the pre-qualification stage and notified all successful applicants.
According to the commission, the milestone, achieved on March 16, 2026, signals the end of the initial screening process conducted in line with the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines.
With this phase completed, only pre-qualified applicants will now move forward in the process. From March 17, 2026, successful bidders are permitted to access subsurface data required for preparing their technical and commercial bids.
The commission stated:“With the pre-qualification stage now completed, the Commission will permit successful applicants to lease data in preparation for the technical and commercial bid submissions.”
Strict Data Access Rules to Ensure Transparency
The NUPRC emphasised that access to geological and geophysical data will be tightly regulated to ensure transparency and standardisation.
Pre-qualified companies are required to obtain data exclusively from two approved sources, where applicable, and must upload proof of payment as a mandatory condition for bid submission.
This measure, the regulator noted, is aimed at maintaining credibility and fairness throughout the bidding process.
Earlier in January 2026, the commission announced a significant reduction in the signature bonus for the licensing round to between $3 million and $7 million.
This marks a notable drop from the $10 million charged in 2024 and a sharp decline from the approximately $200 million required in earlier years. The adjustment, approved by the presidency, is designed to attract more investors amid evolving global energy dynamics.
The NUPRC had earlier launched the 2025 Licensing Round in December 2025, introducing a digital bid portal to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said the portal is designed to expand investment opportunities and deepen exploration activities across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
