NUPRC to commence 2026 licensing round by Q3, with fresh investment backing from Meren Energy - Businessday NG

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, CEO, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced readiness to commence the 2026 licensing round by third quarter, injecting fresh momentum into the nation’s oil and gas sector with a major investment commitment from Meren Energy.

According to the Commission, this follows the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2025 Licensing Round so far, stated that the commercial bid would take place in July after which the next licensing round would commence.

Eyesan tated this when Meren Energy (formerly Africa Oil), visited the corporate headquarters of the NUPRC in Abuja. She said the heightened participation in the 2025 Licensing Round was a testament to the fact that Nigeria was headed in the right direction.