The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revoked the operating licence of the Oritsemeyin Rig, citing safety breaches during drilling operations that resulted in costly downtime and a forced sidetrack.

In a directive dated September 11, 2025, and addressed to Selective Marine Services Limited (SMSL), operators of the rig, NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, ordered the company to cease all activities once its current well operations are completed.

The regulator explained that the decision followed an investigation into the drilling of the UDIBE-2 wellbore, where a “kick” was recorded. A kick occurs when formation fluids such as oil, gas, or water enter the wellbore due to pressure imbalance. NUPRC warned that if unmanaged, the incident could escalate into a blowout, an uncontrolled release of fluids with severe operational and environmental risks.

“Subsequently, the NUPRC, in accordance with Section 97 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, issued a formal notice of culpability via a letter dated June 5, 2025, with a timeline of 21 days followed by a reminder dated July 9, 2025, to ensure an amicable resolution, which was not achieved even beyond the stipulated time,” the commission said in a statement by its Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu.

The commission added that, under the Petroleum Industry Act, it is empowered to sanction operators to enforce compliance with good oilfield practices, uphold international safety standards, and protect commercial and environmental interests.

“Consequent upon the foregoing and pursuant to the relevant powers conferred on the commission under the extant Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the annual licence to operate granted to Selective Marine Services Limited for the Oritsemeyin Rig is hereby revoked,” the statement read.

Beyond the licence withdrawal, the Oritsemeyin Rig was also disqualified from participating in future renewal protocols, a decision NUPRC said was necessary to reinforce adherence to safety and technical standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The commission has yet to receive a response from Selective Marine Services Limited regarding the revocation.