NUPRC Announces Key Pre‑Bid Conference in Lagos for 2025 Oil & Gas Licensing Round
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially announced that a critical pre‑bid conference for the 2025 oil and gas licensing round will take place in Lagos this week. Scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the conference will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels and Suites, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s upstream regulatory calendar.
The pre‑bid conference is a fundamental step in the licensing process under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), aimed at fostering transparency, competition, and investor confidence in the upstream sector. During the event, representatives from NUPRC will outline the overall implementation timeline for the licensing round, explain bid package preparation requirements, and clarify eligibility criteria for prospective participants.
In addition to procedural guidance, the regulator will present detailed explanations of the assessment criteria and the framework for determining winning bidders. This is intended to help both domestic and international players better understand the expectations of the licensing exercise and to minimize uncertainties before the formal bid submission phase.
NUPRC’s Chief Executive, in the official announcement, emphasized that the pre‑bid conference follows notices published in compliance with the PIA, reflecting the commission’s ongoing commitment to regulatory predictability and open competition. The emphasis on thorough preparation at this stage is seen as essential for attracting robust investment into Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas landscape.
Industry observers say the Lagos pre‑bid conference will be closely watched by global energy investors and local stakeholders alike, as it sets the tone for the broader licensing round that offers multiple oil and gas blocks across diverse terrain. The outcomes are anticipated to influence investment flows, deepen indigenous participation, and help revitalise Nigeria’s upstream sector following years of fluctuating investment levels.
