The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a significant increase in the country’s oil rig count, rising from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025. This represents a 762.5% increase in barely four years, with the latest count comprising 40 active rigs, eight on standby, five on warm stack, four on cold stack, and 12 on the move.
The NUPRC released these statistics as part of its achievements in the four years since its establishment. The Commission has exceeded its revenue targets in 2022, 2023, and 2024, surpassing its targets by 18.3%, 14.65%, and 84.2%, respectively. This has contributed significantly to the nation’s economic growth despite fluctuations in oil production and prices.
Between 2024 and 2025, the Commission approved 79 Field Development Plans (FDPs) with a potential investment of $39.98 billion. Crude oil production has also increased, with the current average daily production standing at 1.65 million barrels per day (Mbopd). The NUPRC aims to further increase production to 2.5 Mbopd by 2027 through the Project 1 Mbopd initiative.
The Commission has implemented various policies to enhance transparency and credibility in the oil sector. These include the introduction of digital bid rounds, which have been hailed as the most transparent in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum history. The ‘Drill or Drop’ policy has also been successful in identifying dormant oil fields and encouraging companies to take action.
Other achievements by the NUPRC include the approval of divestments worth billions of dollars, the development of 24 forward-thinking regulations, and the completion of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Program (NGFCP). The Commission has also overseen the remittance of over N358.67 billion by Host Community Development Trusts and is currently overseeing 536 ongoing community projects.
The reduction of crude oil theft has also been a significant achievement, with average daily losses decreasing by 90% from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day in September 2025. The NUPRC’s efforts have contributed to the growth of the oil sector, with the Commission receiving numerous awards, including the 2024 Overall Best Performing Parastatal SERVICOM Unit Award and the 2025 Best Regulator Award.
The NUPRC’s achievements demonstrate its commitment to developing the country’s hydrocarbon resources and creating an enabling investment climate. As the Commission continues to implement its policies and initiatives, it is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s oil sector.