NUPRC unveils 22 offshore projects to attract new investment into Nigeria’s upstream sector
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled a pipeline of 22 major offshore projects with the potential to attract significant new investment into Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
The projects, comprising 12 deepwater and 10 shallow-water developments, were highlighted at the Nigeria Investment Forum 2026 in New York, where Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NUPRC chief executive, presented Nigeria’s upstream investment outlook.
Eyesan was represented at the forum by Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu, NURPC executive commissioner, corporate services and administration.
She said the pipeline reflects the commission’s efforts to convert Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources into producing assets and sustainable economic value, while creating new opportunities for investors and industry partners.
Among the major offshore developments highlighted were Bonga Southwest, Aparo, Zaba Zaba, Owowo, Bosi and Egina South.
The NUPRC chief executive also pointed to recent capital commitments in projects, including Bonga North, Obeta Gas Development, HIN Associated Gas Development and Iseni Gas Development as evidence of growing investment interest in project development.
Eyesan said regulatory reforms, improved project economics and a growing pipeline of development-ready assets are strengthening Nigeria’s upstream investment outlook.
She said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 provided the foundation for restructuring the regulatory architecture of the industry, while subsequent reforms by the federal government and the commission are focused on improving the predictability and bankability of upstream projects.
She added that particular emphasis has been placed on incentives for non-associated gas and deepwater developments, alongside measures aimed at shortening contracting cycles and providing greater certainty around project economics.
According to her, NUPRC has approved 120 field development plans (FDPs) since 2024, representing more than $57 billion in potential investment.
She said the approvals demonstrate the scale of projects moving through the regulatory process and the opportunities available to investors across Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The presentation also highlighted investment opportunities in offshore, gas and brownfield assets as the NUPRC seeks to accelerate the development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources.
