The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission says the 2026 licensing round will begin in Q3 2026 after approval from the minister of petroleum resources, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made the statement during a visit by Meren Energy to the NUPRC headquarters.
Eyesan said she was pleased with how the 2025 licensing round has progressed so far and explained that the commercial bid will be held in July, after which the next round will start.
She added that increased investment and higher production show that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has become more attractive under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Group CEO of Meren Energy, Dr Oliver Quinn, said the ongoing reforms have encouraged the company to expand its investment in Nigeria, which is why it is interested in asset divestments and licensing rounds.
Quinn said Meren Energy focuses its investments on Africa and ranks Nigeria as its top priority.
He said the company has invested $11bn in the Agbami, Akpo, and Egina fields over the past 20 years and has also paid more than $4bn in taxes and royalties.
source: www.channelstv.com
African Energy Council