NUPRC to Close Pre-qualification Applications for 2025 Licensing Round Friday

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says registration and submission of applications for pre-qualification under the Nigeria 2025 petroleum licensing bid round will close on February 27.

In a public notice on Wednesday, the commission urged applicants to strictly adhere to all submission requirements and meet the specified deadline.

“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) hereby notifies the general public that registration and submission of applications for Pre-Qualification under the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round shall close at 4.30pm on Friday, 27 February 2026, in accordance with Section 11.2 of the Licensing Round Guidelines,” the statement reads.

“All Applicants are advised to ensure full compliance with the stipulated submission requirements within the prescribed timeline.”

On December 1, 2025, the NUPRC announced the official commencement of the 2025 petroleum licensing round, targeting about $10 billion in new investments.

The commission, on December 9, said the federal government reduced the signature bonus for the licensing round to between $3 million and $7 million.

On January 28, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, chief executive officer (CEO) of the NUPRC, said only bidders with high technical and financial credentials, professionalism, and credible plans will advance in the licensing round.

Eyesan said 50 oil and gas blocks across Nigeria are available, allowing investors to access the country’s key basins and create long-term value.