The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially revoked the operational licence of the Oritsemeyin drilling rig in the aftermath of a recent incident at the UDIBE-2 well site. The move comes as part of the Commission’s firm stance on safety compliance and operational accountability in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
According to reliable industry sources, the licence revocation was triggered by a serious operational lapse during the drilling activities at the UDIBE-2 well, which reportedly raised significant safety and environmental concerns. While the exact details of the incident remain under internal review, preliminary findings by the NUPRC indicated breaches of standard regulatory procedures, prompting the immediate suspension of the rig’s activities and subsequent licence withdrawal.
The NUPRC, led by its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has consistently reiterated its commitment to enforcing industry standards, ensuring that all operators in the oil and gas value chain adhere strictly to technical, safety, and environmental guidelines. The Commission emphasized that failure to comply with regulatory expectations would attract decisive sanctions, including licence revocations where necessary.
Stakeholders in the sector have described the action as a strong message to other operators that regulatory leniency will no longer be tolerated, especially in light of efforts to improve investor confidence and operational transparency in Nigeria’s oil-rich basins.
It was further gathered that a technical investigation team has been deployed to the UDIBE-2 site to carry out a comprehensive audit of the rig’s operations prior to the incident. The aim, according to the NUPRC, is to determine the root causes and to forestall future occurrences that could endanger lives, the environment, or Nigeria’s strategic energy assets.
While the affected rig operators have yet to release an official statement, it is expected that the revocation will have ripple effects on ongoing drilling activities in the area. Industry observers are closely watching to see if this development will prompt a wider review of drilling standards among upstream contractors operating in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and inland basins.
The NUPRC has assured the public and industry players that regulatory oversight will continue to be strengthened in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to safeguard national interests, promote operational excellence, and ensure that Nigeria’s upstream sector aligns with global best practices.
