Benue State has secured three oil and gas blocks in the 2025 Nigerian Upstream Licensing Round, opening a new chapter in the state’s long-standing quest to develop its hydrocarbon resources.
The licensing round was conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The blocks — PPL 800, PPL 801 and PPL 902 — are located within the Benue Trough and Anambra Basin, covering parts of Otukpo, Apa and Okpokwu Local Government Areas.
The development places Benue among Nigeria’s emerging frontier oil-producing areas and is expected to attract renewed exploration and investment to the state.
The process has been described as competitive and transparent, with the commission maintaining that bidders were assessed in line with established regulatory requirements.
NUPRC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, played a key role in overseeing the licensing process, including compliance with regulatory procedures and timelines.
Benue’s interest in oil exploration dates back several decades, with Shell and other companies carrying out exploratory activities in parts of the state. Although previous efforts did not result in commercial production, the activities established the presence of hydrocarbon prospects in the area.
The latest awards have therefore renewed expectations that exploration could eventually translate into commercial oil and gas production in the state.
The development has generated interest beyond the immediate host communities, with stakeholders in areas including Makurdi, Tarka and Gwer West also viewing the potential investment as an opportunity for broader economic development.
If commercially viable reserves are established, the projects could create jobs, generate contracts for local businesses and stimulate investment in infrastructure and other support services.
The potential for gas development could also be significant, particularly as Nigeria seeks to expand gas utilisation for power generation, industrial production and other economic activities.
However, the award of the blocks does not immediately translate into oil production. The successful companies are required to meet post-award conditions, including payment of applicable signature bonuses and obtaining the necessary approvals before the licences become fully effective. The NUPRC’s “drill-or-drop” policy also requires awardees to make progress in developing their assets or risk losing them.
The latest development has also drawn attention to the role of Dr Jeffrey Kuraun, a Benue-born oil and gas expert who served as secretary of the technical implementation committee. While his contribution has been mentioned in discussions surrounding the process, the licensing outcome involved several institutions, technical teams and regulatory procedures.
For Benue, the focus now shifts from the excitement over the awards to the next stage of exploration and development.
The success of that process will determine whether the three blocks eventually translate into commercial production, jobs, investment and increased economic activity for the state.
