Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator announced on Tuesday that it has approved 145 new well‑drilling operations, 595 well re‑entries and 39 field development plans (FDPs) so far this year. The decision is part of a broader push to boost crude output, attract investment and strengthen the country’s energy security, a senior official said.
The approvals cover a mix of new exploration sites and re‑entries into existing fields, while the FDPs signal planned expansions and upgrades to existing production infrastructure. The regulator’s move follows a series of policy adjustments aimed at making the sector more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
Industry analysts note that the approvals could help Nigeria meet its production targets and reduce reliance on imports. The regulator will continue to monitor compliance with environmental and safety standards as drilling activities ramp up.
Stakeholders will watch how the new wells perform and whether they translate into tangible increases in national output in the coming months.
