NUPRC has set June 12 deadline for final bids in 2025 Oil Block Licensing Round.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has fixed Friday, June 12, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of technical and commercial bids by prequalified applicants participating in the Federal Government’s ongoing 2025 Licensing Round.
The commission announced the deadline in a notice published on its official communication channels, urging all qualified bidders to adhere strictly to the timelines outlined in the licensing guidelines.
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According to the regulator, submissions will close at 4:30 p.m. (WAT) on the stipulated date, marking a critical stage in the competitive process for the allocation of oil and gas assets.
“The NUPRC hereby notifies the general public that submission of Technical and Commercial Bids by Prequalified Applicants for the 2025 Licensing Round closes on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 16:30 hours (WAT) in line with the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines,” the commission stated.
The regulator advised interested stakeholders to access additional information through the official licensing round portal.
The development signals the commencement of one of the most decisive phases of the licensing exercise as investors compete for opportunities in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to attract investment, increase hydrocarbon production and strengthen energy security.
Conducted under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the 2025 Licensing Round forms part of the government’s broader strategy to unlock dormant oil and gas assets, stimulate exploration activities and expand the nation’s reserve base.
The licensing exercise, which opened in December 2025, offered 50 oil and gas blocks across different terrains, including 15 onshore blocks, 19 shallow-water blocks, 15 frontier basin blocks and one deep-water block.
The NUPRC projects that successful development of the assets could attract investments worth approximately $10 billion, unlock an estimated two billion barrels of oil reserves and add about 400,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s production capacity over the next decade.
The commission completed the prequalification stage in March 2026 and notified successful applicants to proceed to the bid submission phase.
Meanwhile, preparations are already underway for the 2026 Licensing Round after receiving ministerial approval.
The Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC recently disclosed that the next licensing exercise is expected to commence no later than the third quarter of 2026, reflecting the regulator’s commitment to institutionalising annual licensing rounds in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Industry stakeholders have described the licensing programme as a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to improve investor confidence, attract fresh capital and maximise the value of the country’s vast hydrocarbon resources.
