Nigeria’s active crude oil rigs have increased to 46, up from 44 last week, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Naijaonpoint reports that the latest figure was disclosed in Abuja by the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, during a Strategic Workshop for Media Practitioners organised by the NUPRC’s Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Unit.
Komolafe noted that the new rig count signifies continued recovery and growth in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.
“We now have 46 active rigs, a leap from 44 recorded last week. This is a significant jump from the eight rigs we had prior to the recent reforms,” he said.
He recalled that on July 2, 2025, the Commission announced a milestone increase to 44 rigs, the highest in recent years, underscoring renewed investor confidence and operational momentum in the oil and gas industry.
The NUPRC boss attributed the steady growth in rig activity to policy reforms, including the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and streamlined regulatory frameworks that have improved the ease of doing business in the sector.
“The rig count is a clear indicator of upstream vibrancy and our strategic drive to maximise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources,” Komolafe stated.
He pledged continued transparency and collaboration with the media to ensure the public remains informed about sector developments.
Earlier, while welcoming journalists to the workshop, Komolafe emphasised the importance of accurate reportage in shaping public perception of the energy sector.
He urged media practitioners to support national development by disseminating fact-based, balanced information on the Commission’s operations and policies.
“The media is a key partner in driving reforms and building investor confidence in Nigeria’s upstream sector,” he said.
The workshop is part of the NUPRC’s efforts to strengthen stakeholder relations and deepen its understanding of its regulatory roles in the petroleum industry.