Nigeria Plans 2026 Oil Licensing Round as Abuja Pushes Investor Drive

June 4, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Nigeria will launch its 2026 oil licensing round in the third quarter after securing ministerial approval, the country’s upstream regulator said on Wednesday, as Africa’s largest oil producer steps up efforts to sustain investor interest in its energy sector.

The move signals Abuja’s push to hold consecutive licensing rounds in a bid to maintain momentum in upstream investment after years of declining output, underinvestment and oil theft disrupted production.

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission said the commercial bid phase for the current licensing round would take place in July, with the 2026 round expected to follow shortly afterward.

The regulator said recent policy reforms and operational improvements were helping restore confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector, with investment commitments and crude production showing signs of recovery.

Nigeria has introduced measures aimed at stabilising the industry and attracting fresh capital, including lowering entry barriers for investors participating in the latest licensing exercise.

The planned 2026 licensing round comes as competition for global energy investment intensifies across Africa, with producers increasingly offering more flexible fiscal terms and streamlined approval processes.