The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission says it will no longer subject bidders in the 2024 licensing round to security checks to be conducted by the Department of State Services.
The NUPRC disclosed this, saying, however, that it could run security checks on applicants.
Though the commission did not disclose the reason for rescinding this decision, there are speculations that it could discourage bidders who might not want to subject themselves to any security checks by the DSS.
The NUPRC disclosed earlier that, among other things, applicants must get a clearance from the secret police to participate in the 2024 licensing round.
However, the regulator said this would no longer be required, meaning the applicants would not be screened or investigated by the DSS.
“The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is pleased to announce a significant update regarding the prequalification criteria for the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round and the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round (Bid Rounds).
“Effective immediately, a security clearance from the Department of State Security will no longer be required to prequalify an applicant to participate in the Bid Rounds.
“However, please be advised that NUPRC reserves the right to conduct security checks on Applicants. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” the commission said.
NewsNow recalls that the regulator recently removed five oil blocks from the ongoing licensing round due to legal disputes. The affected assets are PPL3008, PPL3009, PML51, PPL267, and PPL268.
The commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, had in a statement announced the addition of 17 deep offshore oil blocks to the 2024 licensing round.
“In pursuit of the commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector.
“As a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the commission has added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round,” Komolafe said.
He said, “Registration/submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024, has been extended by 10 days and will now close on July 5, 2024.
“Data access/data purchase/evaluation/bid preparation and submission which was initially scheduled to open on July 4, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 will now start on July 8, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 as previously scheduled.”