STRONGER PIPELINE SECURITY SEEN AS KEY TO NIGERIA’S OIL LICENSING GAINS

Nigeria’s 2025 oil licensing round is expected to deliver stronger results thanks to improved protection of oil assets, industry stakeholders say.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission aims to add about 500 million barrels to national reserves and lift production by 300,000 barrels per day within three years through the exercise. Of the 50 blocks offered, 37 attracted bids from 143 companies, with 31 firms emerging as winners.

Analysts and experts stress that sustained security, particularly against crude theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, will be critical to converting these awards into actual output and attracting further investment. Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, appointed by the Federal Government, continues surveillance work alongside security agencies to safeguard infrastructure.

Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise CEO Muda Yusuf and energy expert Steven Martins both highlighted that reliable asset protection reduces investor risk and supports broader economic goals, including higher foreign reserves and production growth, as Nigeria pursues its energy ambitions.