The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday said the 2026 Oil Licencing Round will commence by the third quarter (Q3) 2026, having received the approval of President Bola Tinubu, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, stated this when Meren Energy (formerly Africa Oil) visited the corporate headquarters of the NUPRC in Abuja, a statement by the commission’s Head, Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, stated. Eyesan, who expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2025 Licencing Round so far, stated that the commercial bid would take place in July after which the next licensing round would commence. The NUPRC chief stated that the heightened participation in the 2025 Licencing Round was a testament to the fact that Nigeria was headed in the right direction, stressing that the rise in investments, coupled with the upswing in production, was evidence that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, under the leadership of Tinubu, has become attractive. “We are also fortunate that the President and Minister of Petroleum Resources has approved the 2026 Licensing Round.