Distinguished participants, esteemed investors and industry leaders joining us
from across the world, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning and thank you for logging in today.
1. On behalf of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, I
extend a formal welcome to all participants attending this Webinar on
Nigeria’s 2025 Licensing Round. Although, we are convening virtually rather
than in person, the significance of today’s proceedings remains substantial.
2. While this webinar is focused on the 2025 licensing round, the purpose is far
broader. It signals Nigeria’s deliberate effort to reposition its upstream sector
for serious, long-term investment. it is also an open invitation to partnership,
to transparency, and to shared responsibility as we work together to shape
the next phase of Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry.
3. Distinguished participants, on the global landscape energy security and
supply resilience are central economic and geopolitical priorities, while
investment capital is increasingly selective and disciplined.
4. Our national priority is therefore clear and unambiguous: To attract capital,
grow reserves, improve production in a responsible and sustainable
manner. To therefore achieve this objective, a structured, transparent
licensing round is essential. Nigeria is ready to be the beautiful bride to
capital and playroom for advanced technological deployment for
hydrocarbon recovery.
5. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is mandated by
law to conduct licensing rounds in a periodic, transparent, open, and fully
competitive manner. In furtherance of this, the 2025 Licensing Round, the
entire process will be guided strictly by published rules. Our guidelines,
model contracts, bid parameters, and evaluation criteria will be clearly
defined, publicly available, and fully enforceable. So, as investors, you are
not navigating uncertainty; you are operating within a framework that is
transparent, predictable, and deliberately designed to inspire confidence.
6. In this round, 50 oil and gas blocks across Nigeria are available, allowing
investors to access the country’s key basins and create long term value. So,
as we move through today’s session, I want you to view this round not just
as an offering of acreage, but as an opportunity to participate in a stable,
rules‑based system that is opening the door to genuine value creation.
7. Distinguished participants, this Licensing Round is an open call for
committed partners; those ready to invest capital, bring technical
excellence, and accelerate Nigeria’s assets from license award to
exploration, appraisal, and ultimately, full production.
8. The process follows five steps: registration and pre-qualification, data
acquisition, technical bid submission, evaluation, and a commercial bid
conference. Only candidates with strong technical and financial
credentials, professionalism, and credible plans move forward. Winners are
chosen through a transparent, merit-based procedure.
9. With the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
signature bonuses for the 2025 Round are now set within a value range that
reduces entry barriers and places greater weight on what truly matters:
technical capability, credible work programs, financial strength, and the
ability to deliver production within the shortest possible time. This has been
done to increase competitiveness and in response to capital mobility.
10. Let me restate clearly, that the bid process will comply with the PIA, promote use of digital tools for smooth data access and remain open to
public and institutional scrutiny through NEITI and other oversight agencies.
Indeed, Transparency is an integral part of our process.
11. Since December 1, 2025, all licensing materials have been posted on the
Commission’s bid portal. Dedicated support channels created to enable
prompt response to enquiries from applicants, and the pre‑bid conference
provided opportunity to clarify the requirements and promote a
transparent, well‑informed participation process.
12. To further strengthen the process, Today’s webinar aims to clarify bid
requirements and help you participate effectively before the tender
deadline. We also invite your questions and feedback to improve the
Licensing Round process and outcomes.
13. In closing, let me emphasize that the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round is not
merely a bidding exercise. It is a clear signal of a re-imagined upstream
sector, anchored in the rule of law, driven by data, aligned with global
investment realities, and focused on long-term value creation.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your active participation
Thank you.
Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (Mrs.)
CCE, NUPRC