NUPRC Mandates Community Engagement and Diligent Development for New Oil Licence Holders Amidst Production Targets
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued a clear directive to the latest holders of Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs), emphasizing the imperative of swift field development coupled with robust community engagement. This directive, delivered during the formal issuance ceremony for the second batch of winners from the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round and the 2024 Licensing Round in Abuja on Friday, July 17, 2026, underscores the NUPRC’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, stressed that the success of these new operators will be intrinsically linked to their ability to meet their obligations to host communities. “As licencees, you are expected to execute your approved work programmes diligently, honour your financial commitments, comply fully with the provisions of the PIA, the applicable regulations and these contractual documents,” Eyesan stated. She further articulated the Commission’s expectation for “the highest standards of health, safety, environmental protection and responsible engagement with host communities.”
The awardees of blocks from both the 2022/23 Mini Bid and the Nigeria 2024 Licensing rounds are tasked with driving new exploration, attracting further investment, accelerating the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, and ultimately bolstering the nation’s energy security and economic prosperity. These objectives align directly with the Federal Government’s strategic ambition to increase crude oil output to 2 million barrels per day by 2027, with a long-term target of 3 million barrels per day by 2030.
Engineer Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, reinforced the call for adherence to work plans and financial commitments. He assured the new operators of the regulator’s support, noting that NUPRC is actively fast-tracking permit approvals to streamline the ease of doing business.
Adding a crucial legal dimension, Barrister Olayemi Adeboyejo, the Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser, cautioned the companies against complacency. She highlighted the PIA’s “drill or drop” clause, warning that failure to develop awarded assets could result in forfeiture. Adeboyejo also urged the immediate establishment of Host Community Development Trusts and advocated for the prioritisation of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to maintain harmonious relationships with host communities, operators, and the regulatory body.
Formal licence presentations were made to Biswal Oil and Gas Ltd, Dewayles International Ltd, First E&P Development Co. Ltd, Panout Oil and Gas Ltd, R28 Holdings Ltd, and Hakilat Oil and Gas Consortium. Earlier, on July 8, 2026, Broron Energy Limited, Petroli Energy Marketing and Supply Limited, Sahara Deepwater Resources Limited, and Tulcan Energy E&P had received their licences.
