The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has completed the pre-qualification stage for the country’s 2025 oil and gas licensing round.
The Commission confirmed that successful applicants have been formally notified after meeting the requirements outlined in the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines.
The pre-qualification process was concluded on March 16, 2026, it said in a public notice, adding that companies that passed the stage are now eligible to proceed to the next phase of the competitive bidding process.
It added:“With the pre-qualification stage now successfully completed, the Commission will from today, March 17, 2026, permit successful applicants to lease data in preparation for the technical and commercial bid submissions.”
According to NUPRC, pre-qualified firms must obtain exploration and geological data strictly from the two approved data providers designated for the bid round.
Applicants are required to upload proof of payment for the data before they can submit their technical and commercial bids,it said.
The agency added that the licensing round portal has been opened for further details and engagement by participating companies.
