The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) estimates that Nigeria will have fifty rigs by the end of 2025.
It said the country’s rig count had increased from eight in 2021 to 40 in 2025.
The Chief Executive, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES).
Komolafe said crude oil production increased by 70 percent from one million barrels per day (bopd) in 2021 to the current production of 1.75 million bopd.
He recalled that between 2023 and 2024, oil reserves increased by 1.43 percent, reaching 37.5 billion barrels, while gas reserves grew by 0.21 percent, reaching 209.26 trillion cubic feet.
According to Komolefe, these accomplishments are not just numbers but are parameters for measuring vibrancy in the industry driven by effective regulatory policies.
He said in pursuit of its goal to reach 40 billion barrels of oil and 220 trillion cubic feet of gas, it had vigorously pursued strategies to stimulate exploration activities and accelerate development.
As part of these efforts, he said the commission completed the 2022/2024 bid licensing round and awarded 27 Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) across various terrains.
He said efforts were also on for the 2025 bid round, embracing a new paradigm of annual licensing rounds.
“At this point, it is worth highlighting that the Commission has deliberately been acquiring high-quality geological and geophysical data through multi-client service arrangements.
“The commission also ensures access to the data for enhanced value, especially during licensing rounds and other transformative deals.
