The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that Nigeria is gaining renewed global interest as a prime destination for oil and gas investment, thanks to strategic reforms.
During the 2025 Africa Energies Summit in London, NUPRC Chief Executive Officer Gbenga Komolafe highlighted that these reforms focus on transparency, data accessibility, and a comprehensive regulatory overhaul.
At the summit, Komolafe addressed energy leaders and investors, emphasizing that the transformation of Nigeria’s upstream sector is built on three key pillars: transparent licensing rounds, high-quality subsurface data, and significant regulatory changes facilitated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Each of these licensing rounds was conducted with unprecedented transparency, exceptional competitiveness, and strong investor engagement,” he stated.
“Together, they have transformed Nigeria into a leading destination for oil and gas investment, while reaffirming our dedication to global standards of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.”
According to the CCE, the NUPRC’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness have been fueled by access to reliable geological data, which is crucial for making informed exploration and development decisions.
He noted that the commission, in partnership with global collaborators, has initiated one of the continent’s most ambitious data acquisition projects.
“Through a groundbreaking partnership with TGS-PetroData and other multiclient service providers, the NUPRC has launched one of Africa’s most extensive data acquisition and reprocessing initiatives, securing over 11,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data as part of the larger 56,000 square kilometer Awalé Project,” Komolafe stated.
He also mentioned that the National Data Repository (NDR), a key component of Nigeria’s data strategy, has played a crucial role in enhancing investor due diligence.
He noted that the National Data Repository (NDR), a key element of Nigeria’s data strategy, has played a crucial role in enhancing investor due diligence.
“Central to this transformation is our National Data Repository, NDR, which contains one of the continent’s largest seismic databases and records from over 10,000 wells, allowing for both physical and remote access to facilitate comprehensive technical due diligence,” he explained.
“This abundance of accessible, high-quality data has not only boosted investor confidence during recent bidding rounds but has also firmly established Nigeria as one of the most data-rich and investment-ready locations in the global energy sector.”
