The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) expects 22 major offshore projects to attract an estimated $30–50 billion in investment between 2026 and 2030.
NUPRC Commission Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan disclosed the projection at the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026) in Lagos on 5 August 2026.
Eyesan was represented at the conference by Executive Commissioner for Development and Production Enorense Amadasu.
She said NUPRC has approved more than $57 billion in Field Development Plans since 2024. Some of the approved plans have progressed to Final Investment Decisions.
The 22 offshore projects are expected to increase production, create jobs, expand infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
Nigeria is also maintaining a pipeline of exploration opportunities while developing its proven reserves, according to Eyesan.
Licensing rounds conducted since 2022 have provided access to prospective oil and gas acreage. In the 2025 Licensing Round, 31 companies were selected as successful bidders for 37 oil and gas blocks following a data-driven and technology-enabled evaluation process.
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Licensing Round. Eyesan said transparency in the licensing process was making investment certainty an established part of Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
She also identified infrastructure shortages as a continuing constraint on Africa’s oil and gas potential.
Nigeria is addressing the issue by expanding gas gathering systems, processing facilities, pipelines and export infrastructure. The country is also promoting shared facilities, open access, third-party access and field tiebacks.
These measures are intended to reduce costs, accelerate project delivery, improve the use of existing infrastructure and bring stranded oil and gas resources into production.
Eyesan said cooperation between government, security agencies, operators, host communities and private partners had improved the protection of critical energy assets. She also cited the Host Community Development Trust as part of efforts to strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s upstream sector.
