Gas
Nigeria opens 40 blocks in licensing round to lift output
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has launched a new licensing round offering 40 blocks as part of efforts to reach national production targets.
Key points
- NUPRC offers 40 oil and gas blocks across land, shallow water, and deep-water terrains.
- The government aims to achieve three million barrels per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas by 2030.
- Pipeline surveillance by Tantita Security Services is credited with reducing theft and stabilizing output.
New licensing round
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commenced its 2026 licensing round, making 40 blocks available across land, shallow water, and deep-water terrains. According to NUPRC officials, the initiative aims to attract fresh upstream investment and expand national production capacity.
Commission Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan stated that the blocks are open to investors possessing the necessary technical expertise and financial strength. The push aligns with federal targets to scale up output significantly over the coming years.
Security and asset protection
Stakeholders note that sustained pipeline surveillance has played a central role in curbing crude theft and improving stability in the Niger Delta. The operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and led by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, have helped secure critical transport channels and support uninterrupted petroleum flows.
According to World Bank data, fuel exports accounted for 85.9 percent of Nigeria's merchandise exports in 2025, underscoring the vital importance of the sector to the wider economy. International Monetary Fund officials speaking at recent meetings in Bangkok also highlighted Nigeria's broader economic dynamism and improved foreign exchange reserves driven by stronger oil revenues.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
72.9% of electricity in Nigeria came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
