The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has presented petroleum prospecting licences (PPLs) to winners of the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round and the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round.

This came just as NLNG received the 2026 Operational Excellence Award at the ongoing 25th NOG Energy Week in Abuja.

The twin developments underscored efforts to attract fresh upstream investments while recognising operational performance in the country’s gas sector.

NLNG was honoured with the Energy Awards 2026 Operational Excellence Award in recognition of its operational performance and commitment to safe, reliable and efficient operations.

The award, presented during the 25th anniversary edition of NOG Energy Week in Abuja, recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence through process optimisation, enhanced reliability, improved efficiency, cost effectiveness and sustainable business practices.

NLNG maintained an active presence throughout the conference, participating in strategic discussions on gas development, operational excellence, sustainability, innovation and Nigeria’s role in strengthening global energy security.

According to the company, the recognition reflects its sustained focus on operational discipline, world-class asset management and a culture of safety, continuous improvement and value creation.

The company said the award also acknowledges the dedication of its workforce, whose commitment has enabled NLNG to consistently deliver reliable liquefied natural gas to international markets while supporting domestic gas utilisation and contributing to Nigeria’s economy through local content development, revenue generation and strategic investments.

NLNG added that as it advances strategic growth initiatives, including the Train 7 Project, the award reinforces its commitment to remaining a leading global LNG company while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to maximise the economic value of its abundant gas resources.

Presenting the licences, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Oritsemyiwa Eyesan, said the awards marked another milestone in Nigeria’s drive to deepen investment in the upstream petroleum industry, accelerate exploration activities and grow the hydrocarbon reserves.

According to her, the exercise covered 12 successful awardees across 19 PPLs spanning deep-offshore, shallow-water, and continental-shelf acreages, reflecting the range of investment opportunities offered through the licensing rounds.

Among the companies presented with licences were Broron Energy Limited for PPL 2009, Petroli Energy Marketing and Supply Limited for PPL 269, Sahara Deepwater Resources Limited for PPLs 270 and 271 and Tulcan Energy E&P Co for PPL 2008.

Eyesan said execution ceremonies for successful companies whose representatives were absent would be held at convenient dates.

She noted the awards represented another significant step in Nigeria’s continuing efforts to deepen investment in the upstream petroleum sector, accelerate exploration activities, expand hydrocarbon reserves and create long-term value for the economy.

On the sidelines of the conference, Eyesan commended Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, for resuming drilling activities after a decade-long lull, describing the move as a positive signal for Nigeria’s deepwater sector.

She added that the commission remained committed to advancing Nigeria’s portfolio of deepwater projects, noting that such investments are essential to achieving national production targets, increasing reserves, sustaining government revenues and strengthening investor confidence.