# NUPRC regulatory enforcement in Nigeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nuprc-regulatory-enforcement-in-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-09-18T17:38:14.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has intensified regulatory enforcement regarding the utilization of awarded petroleum assets. Initially, the commission warned investors under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) that permits for gas flare sites could be revoked if significant progress in gas utilization is not demonstrated.

Following this, the NUPRC expanded its enforcement stance to include holders of non-performing petroleum prospecting licences. The commission announced it will enforce ‘drill-or-drop’ provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, targeting acreages from various recent licensing rounds. Affected operators have been directed to disclose compliance status and submit revised implementation plans by October 31, 2026, as part of a federal strategy to boost national crude oil and gas production.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: NUPRC warns oil licence holders of potential revocation

The NUPRC is enforcing ‘drill-or-drop’ rules under the Petroleum Industry Act, warning oil and gas licence holders they may lose acreages if they fail to meet work obligations by the October 31, 2026, deadline.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nuprc-warns-oil-licence-holders-of-potential-revocation

### 2026-09-08: NUPRC warns of gas flare permit revocations in Nigeria

Nigeria's NUPRC warns gas flare site awardees of permit revocation for lack of progress, while the House of Representatives probes N432bn in unremitted oil sector liabilities.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nmdpra-denies-allegations-of-under-remitted-gas-flare-penalties

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Cite as: NUPRC regulatory enforcement in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nuprc-regulatory-enforcement-in-nigeria