In Deepening Transparency, NUPRC Publishes Concession Status Of 243 Oil Blocks

… Report Reveals 220 Blocks Not Abandoned

In a move to deepen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has published the concession status of 243 oil blocks across the country.

The Commission, in a statement seen by THE WHISTLER, said the publication aligns with the transparency objectives outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and aims to provide clarity on the licensing and allocation status of oil blocks to investors, stakeholders, and the general public.

The NUPRC emphasised that the action reflects its ongoing commitment to uphold openness and good governance in the upstream petroleum sector, in line with global best practices.

The concession status was made publicly available on the Commission’s website, allowing users to access current and accurate data on oil block licensing, availability, and allocation.

Addressing recent reports suggesting that 220 oil blocks had been abandoned, the Commission clarified that the blocks were not abandoned but are currently awaiting allocation through proper licensing rounds.

“The 220 oil blocks referred to in trending reports as abandoned are simply awaiting concession,” the management said.

“This is consistent with Section 7(t) of the PIA, which empowers the commission to conduct periodic licensing rounds and grant Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) and Petroleum Mining Leases (PMLs) to qualified investors.”

THE WHISTLER can report that the upstream regulatory released the concession status of 243 oil blocks.

However, a report (NOT THE WHISTLER) claimed that 220 of the oil blocks were abandoned by investors.

But NUPRC said the “trending report on the so-called abandoned oil blocks was a misinterpretation of the information that it had put up on its website.”

The commission insisted that the concession status of 243 oil blocks were released “in the spirit of transparency.

“The 220 oil blocks would be handed to concessionaires after periodic bid rounds and conditions had been met.”

NUPRC added, “While urging the media to be circumspect in its reportage and prioritise national interest, the upstream regulator advised members of the public to visit its website https://www.nuprc.gov.ng/ for accurate information on its activities.”

Recall that in February, the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe revealed plans to raise Nigeria’s crude oil and gas reserves by commencing an annual oil block licensing.

The CCE said at the Nigeria International Energy Summit, “In pursuit of our goal to reach 40 billion barrels of oil and 220 trillion cubic feet of gas, we have vigorously pursued strategies to stimulate exploration activities and accelerate development.

“As part of these efforts, the commission successfully completed the 2022/2024 bid licensing round and awarded twenty-seven (27) Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) across various terrains.

“Efforts are also on for the 2025 bid round, embracing a new paradigm of annual licensing rounds.”

During an event in December 2024 Komolafe explained how the PIA has given a unique opportunity to transform the industry, attract investments, and position Nigeria as a formidable player in the global energy space.

“To this end, I am pleased to announce that the NUPRC will launch another Licensing Round in 2025. Building on the lessons learned from this year’s round.

“The 2025 exercise will focus on discovered but undeveloped fields (fallow assets) and prioritize natural gas development to support Nigeria’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Komolafe said at the 2024 Commercial Bid Conference.

This report was updated with new information.