By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has entered into a major Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) No. 5 agreement with SeaSeisGeophysical Limited, marking a significant step toward expanding Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas exploration.

Under the three-year agreement, SeaSeis, in partnership with global data company TGS, is authorised to acquire and process new 3D seismic and gravity data across a vast offshore area.

The deal also permits the partners to issue data-use licences, with revenues to be shared between the company and the Commission.

The agreement was formally executed on Tuesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The PEL No. 5 project spans approximately 11,700 square kilometres offshore the Eastern Niger Delta, covering water depths ranging from 400 to 2,800 metres.

Officials say the initiative is expected to unlock new exploration opportunities, improve subsurface insights, and support efficient development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

Speaking at the signing, NUPRC Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, described the licence as a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to data-driven exploration, transparency, and long-term value creation.

“Exploration is fundamentally driven by confidence in data and processes,” she said, noting that the initiative highlights the importance of credible partnerships in achieving Nigeria’s production and reserve growth targets.

Eyesan added that the Petroleum Industry Act provides for the issuance of licences on non-exclusive acreages to capable contractors, stressing that strong partnerships remain key to sustaining national output and reserves.

Also speaking, SeaSeis Managing Director Goke Adeniyi described the project as the company’s largest in Africa, underscoring the scale of opportunities within Nigeria’s upstream sector.

He explained that the PEL 5 area, located in the Outer Fold and Thrust Belt of the Eastern Niger Delta, was carefully selected due to its high potential despite geological complexity.

According to Adeniyi, the project will deploy advanced GeoStreamer dual-sensor technology, enabling the acquisition of high-fidelity 3D seismic data to help operators evaluate prospects with greater precision.
Industry observers say the agreement signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s exploration landscape and growing investor confidence in the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.