The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the 2026 Licensing Round will commence in the third quarter of 2026, following approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this on Wednesday when Meren Energy paid a visit to the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja.
Eyesan expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2025 Licensing Round so far, noting that the commercial bid process is expected to take place in July, after which preparations for the 2026 round will begin.
She said increased investment inflows and rising production levels indicate growing confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector under the current administration.
According to her, reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu have made the industry more attractive to investors.
In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Meren Energy, Dr. Oliver Quinn, said ongoing reforms in the sector had strengthened the company’s commitment to expanding its investments in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria remains Meren Energy’s top investment destination in Africa, adding that the company’s strategic focus on the continent is anchored on long-term growth opportunities.
Quinn revealed that Meren Energy has invested about $11 billion in the Agbami, Akpo and Egina fields over the past 20 years, and has paid more than $4 billion in taxes and royalties to the Nigerian government.
