Sopuruchi Onwuka
Petroleum industry regulator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revoked the license of indigenous drilling rig, Oritsemeyin, saying the equipment is unfit to safely continue operating in the country.
The regulator also stated that the license of the rig is no longer in consideration for renewal following failure of its owners to resolve safety issues that led to the revocation. It directed the owners of the rig to cease all operations henceforth.
In a letter of notice served the operator of the rig, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Engr Gbenga Komolafe, directed Selective Marine Services Limited (SMSL) to cease all drilling activities with Oritsemeyin.
Chief Executive of NUPRC, Engr Gbenga Komolafe
The order, according to the regulator, followed a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the drilling of UDIBE-2 well during which a kick was recorded.
The kick, NUPRC stated, resulted in several Non-Productive Time (NPT) with consequential cost and a forced well sidetrack.
Oracle Intelligence reports that a kick on an oil drilling rig is the unexpected surge of fluid or gas from downhole when the pressure inside the wellbore becomes lower than the formation pressure, threatening an explosive backlash that comes with fire.
The potential blowout phenomenon, the NUPRC stated, called for a process review that failed to resolve safety issues.
“Subsequently, the NUPRC in accordance with Section 97 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, issued a formal notice of culpability via a letter dated June 5, 2025 with a timeline of 21 days followed by a reminder dated July 9, 2025 to ensure an amicable resolution,” the regulator explained.
Engr Komolafe stated efforts at resolution did not achieve results even beyond the stipulated time.
“Consequent upon the forgoing and pursuant to the relevant powers conferred on the commission under the extant Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the annual licence to operate granted to Selective Marine Services Limited for the Oritsemeyin Rig is hereby revoked,” the commission declared.
The NUPRC also disqualified the Oritsemeyin Rig from all renewal protocols “in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the law forthwith.”
The NUPRC noted that the revocation is in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 “which empowers the commission to ensure compliance with good oilfield and international best industry practices, operational safety and optimization as well as promote technical excellence and preserve commercial and environmental sustainability.”
It was difficult to reach officials of Selective Marine Services Limited for comments on government’s withdrawal of license for Oritsemeyin.
Oracle Intelligence reports that health, safety and environment or HSE is an unassailable standard in the global petroleum industry.
