Nigerian regulation department the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the country’s active number of oil rigs has increased to 46.
Up from eight in 2021, the increase follows over $8 billion in investments by oil producers between 2022 and 2025, resulting in the drilling of 236 wellbores.
Gbenga Kamolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC attributed the rise to the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act, the Project One Million Barrels initiative launched in 2024 and Executive Orders 40, 41 and 42 issued in 2024. According to Kamolafe, these reforms have boosted investor confidence, attracted capital and enabled regulatory efficiencies.
Nigeria’s oil production now averages over 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), rising from 1 million bpd in 2021.
Kamolafe added that rigs are now active across all terrains – land, swamp and offshore – including deepwater fields.
The NUPRC emphasized that increased rig activity is a key metric of industry health, with sustained momentum driving progress toward the country’s 2.6-2.8 million bpd production target by 2026.
Nigeria’s rig count is expected to approach 50 by the end of 2025.