The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has approved 145 new well-drilling operations, 595 well re-entries and 39 Field Development Plans (FDPs) in 2026, as the regulator intensifies efforts to accelerate oil and gas production and attract fresh investment into the upstream sector.
The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed the figures at the management session of the 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.
Eyesan, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Basinal Administration, Ahmad Abdullahi, said the approvals reflected improvements in regulatory processes and efforts to reduce delays associated with project development.
She also disclosed that Nigeria’s rig count had increased to 100, with 46 rigs currently active, representing a 300 per cent increase compared with the 2021 level.
The rig count, which measures the number of active drilling rigs engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, is an important indicator of upstream industry activity.
An increase generally reflects stronger drilling operations and renewed investment interest, although actual production gains depend on the successful completion and commercialisation of projects.
According to the commission, the approvals granted during the year include 39 Field Development Plans, 145 new well-drilling operations and 595 well re-entry applications.
The regulator said the faster processing of applications was intended to reduce unnecessary project delays, lower associated costs and encourage operators to commit more resources to exploration and production activities.
The commission maintained that efficient regulatory approvals were essential to ensuring that viable petroleum projects moved from planning to execution without avoidable administrative bottlenecks.
The increase in rig activity comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its hydrocarbon reserves, raise crude oil production and strengthen the development of its natural gas resources.
The upstream sector remains central to the country’s revenue generation and foreign exchange earnings, making sustained exploration and production investment important to the broader economy.
However, translating increased drilling activity into higher output will require continued investment in infrastructure, improved security around petroleum assets, predictable regulatory policies and the timely execution of approved development projects.
The latest figures suggest improved momentum in upstream activities, while highlighting the importance of maintaining an investment environment that supports exploration, production growth and long-term energy security.
