The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revoked the operating licence of the Oritsemeyin Rig and ordered it to halt all activities after the completion of its current well operations.
The decision was conveyed in a letter dated September 11, 2025, addressed to Selective Marine Services Limited, the operator of the rig. The correspondence was signed by the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
Announcing the development in a statement on Friday, the Head of Media and Strategic Communications at the commission, Eniola Akinkuotu, confirmed the revocation and directive.
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“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has revoked the operating licence of Oritsemeyin Rig and directed it to cease all operations upon the completion of its current well operations,” the statement read.
According to the commission, the revocation followed a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the drilling of the UDIBE-2 wellbore. During the process, a kick was recorded, resulting in prolonged Non-Productive Time (NPT), significant costs, and a forced sidetrack of the well.
A kick in drilling operations refers to the unintended influx of formation fluids such as oil, gas, or water into the wellbore due to a pressure imbalance. If left unmanaged, this condition can escalate into a blowout—an uncontrolled release of fluids that poses catastrophic risks to personnel, assets, and the environment.
NUPRC explained that it had earlier issued a formal notice of culpability on June 5, 2025, in accordance with Section 97 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, granting the operator 21 days to resolve the matter. A reminder was subsequently sent on July 9, 2025, but no resolution was reached within or beyond the given timeframe.
“Consequent upon the foregoing and pursuant to the relevant powers conferred on the commission under the extant Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the annual licence to operate granted to Selective Marine Services Limited for the Oritsemeyin Rig is hereby revoked,” the commission declared.
The upstream regulator further stated that the Oritsemeyin Rig has been disqualified from all renewal protocols, stressing that the action was taken in strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.
NUPRC emphasised that the enforcement aligns with its mandate under the PIA 2021 to uphold global oilfield standards, guarantee operational safety, promote technical excellence, and ensure environmental and commercial sustainability in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The revocation of the Oritsemeyin Rig licence marks one of the most decisive regulatory actions since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act. By invoking Section 97 of the PIA, the commission signalled that non-compliant operators will no longer be granted leeway, serving as a warning to other rig operators and drilling contractors to strengthen safety procedures, improve technical training, and adhere strictly to international best practices.
