Chevron Nigeria has affirmed its commitment to growing its operations in Nigeria by announcing its participation in the 2025 Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) licensing round. The announcement was made by Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, during a visit to the NUPRC corporate headquarters in Abuja on December 4, 2025.

Swartz praised the NUPRC as a business enabler, commending the leadership of Engineer Gbenga Komolafe for enforcing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) with transparency and predictability. “The NUPRC listens. The NUPRC supports business. As a regulator, the NUPRC is transparent,” he said, highlighting that the PIA has restored Nigeria’s appeal as a global investment destination.

The Chevron boss also reported a notable milestone in operational security, revealing that the company had recorded zero incidents of oil theft or pipeline sabotage in the past year—the longest stretch without such disruptions in its Nigerian operations.

Swartz further disclosed that TotalEnergies Nigeria had signed a farm-out agreement with Chevron, granting it a 40% stake in the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 offshore exploration licenses. Chevron is seeking NUPRC approval to accelerate development of these assets. Additionally, the company plans to bring in a drilling rig in late 2026 to tap a newly discovered resource near Egbami and extend leases on existing assets under development.

Engineer Komolafe welcomed Chevron’s decision, describing it as evidence that Nigeria remains a key investment hub. He encouraged other oil companies to follow suit and share positive testimonies, emphasizing that the 2025 licensing round would build on the success of 2024. The NUPRC’s portal is now live, offering 50 fields for bid in a licensing process that promises to be fully digital, transparent, and investor-friendly.

Highlighting the improved business environment, Komolafe credited the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for creating favorable conditions that have supported operational success, including Chevron’s record of zero incidents.

With Chevron leading the charge, the 2025 NUPRC licensing round is shaping up to attract strong participation, signaling continued confidence in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.