FG to revoke unused oil exploration leases – NUPRC
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum and Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that the Federal Government will soon revoke oil exploration leases granted to companies but yet unused.
Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe who disclosed this, Tuesday, added further that only companies with viable technical and financial backup would get to keep their leases
“Based on PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), the commission is focused on delivering value for the nation so only firms that are technically and financially viable will keep their leases,” Mr. Komolafe said, adding that the commission would initiate reviews of these leases, as, according to him, ‘award of new leases would be subject to specific terms and conditions.’
According to latest data from the NUPRC, although about 53 exploration leases were issued from 2003 till date; over 60 percent of the prospecting licenses issued to local and foreign oil firms had expired.
“Out of the 53 licences granted, 33 have since expired and not renewed, including four which are held down by contract disputes. The leases have not been automatically revoked, but the commission is no longer willing to let the companies hold on to leases indefinitely,” stated Komolafe.
The PIA enacted in 2021 empowered the regulator to review the technical and financial capabilities of companies holding oil exploration leases.
