Sopuruchi Onwuka

Nigeria’s upstream sector is gaining fresh momentum as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) launches of the 2025 Nigeria Licensing Round on December 1.

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Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, confirmed that while the bid round announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria, AOW 2026 in Ghana is scheduled to present one of the biggest platforms to showcase the process.

Engr Komolafe stated that the licensing round marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s upstream industry and reflects NUPRC’s drive to raise production, unlock new resources, and attract world-class investment.

According to him, the round will create a competitive platform for investors and operators to access new marginal fields and help deliver Nigeria’s production growth targets.

Engr. Komolafe emphasized that this coordinated approach signals a new era for Nigeria’s upstream industry, assuring investors that NUPRC will provide additional guidance on how companies can access data and formally enter the 2025 Licence Round.

“The launch of the 2025 Nigeria Licence Round is a bold step toward unlocking our vast potential. Our collaboration with AOW ensures we reach the right investors at the right time, making 2025 and 2026 defining years for deal-making, investment, and sustainable growth across the region,” he noted.

The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Oil Week (AOW:Energy), Mr Paul Sinclair, declared in a mail sent to Oracle Intelligence that 2026edition of the conference is set to serve as the foremost international platform for promoting the round to the global investment community.

He said AOW 2026 will bring operators, financiers, technology leaders, and government delegations together, creating the ideal environment for NUPRC to present new marginal field opportunities, share technical data, and drive investor engagement at scale.

According to Mr Sinclair, the event is expected to be the central hub where companies can evaluate prospects, connect directly with NUPRC decision makers, and position themselves for entry into the license round.

He noted that AOW 2026 will not only elevate Nigeria’s offer but strengthen Africa’s collective upstream voice.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Engr. Komolafe and the NUPRC. AOW 2026 will be the meeting point for operators seeking to engage with Nigeria’s opportunities and help shape upstream development across the continent,” he said.

The announcement follows another important step for regional cooperation: the launch of the AFRIPERF Charter at AOW 2025 in Ghana, aimed at deepening unity and shared progress across Africa’s upstream ecosystem.

With NUPRC, AOW:Energy, and AFRIPERF now aligning their efforts, AOW 2026 is set to showcase the most lucrative upstream prospects from Nigeria and beyond.

As preparations build, the message is clear: AOW 2026 will be the international stage where Nigeria’s next chapter in upstream growth takes shape.