Nigeria’s oil and gas industry recorded a strong rebound in drilling activity during the first quarter of 2026, with the number of active rigs rising significantly in March, according to new data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The commission’s Rig Disposition Report for January to March 2026 revealed that active oil rigs increased from 22 in February to 31 in March, representing a 40.9 per cent month-on-month growth.
The sharp increase signals renewed momentum in upstream petroleum operations after a notable decline in activity recorded in February.
Although March’s figure remained below the 40 active rigs reported in January, the latest data points to a substantial recovery in drilling operations across the sector.
The report also showed that Nigeria maintained a relatively stable overall rig fleet throughout the quarter.
Total rig numbers stood at 72 in January and February before rising slightly to 73 in March. While the total number of rigs changed little during the period, the composition and deployment of the fleet shifted considerably.
Industry observers say the changes reflect evolving operational strategies by oil and gas companies as they adjust exploration, development, and production activities.
The rise in active rigs is generally viewed as a positive indicator for the upstream sector because it often signals increased investment, drilling activity, and future production growth.
A higher number of active rigs can also translate into greater exploration efforts, field development projects, and improved crude oil output over time.
The recovery comes as Nigeria continues efforts to boost oil production, attract investment, and maximize opportunities created by ongoing reforms in the petroleum industry.
Stakeholders have repeatedly emphasized the importance of increasing drilling activity to reverse production declines and strengthen the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading oil producers.
Analysts note that maintaining a healthy level of rig activity will be critical to achieving long-term production targets and supporting government revenue generation.
The latest NUPRC figures suggest that operators are gradually increasing field activities, offering encouraging signs for the performance of Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector in the months ahead.
As investment confidence improves and exploration efforts expand, industry players will be watching closely to see whether the March recovery can be sustained throughout the rest of 2026.
