The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially revoked the operating licence of the Oritsemeyin Rig, mandating an immediate halt to all activities following the completion of its current well operations.
This decision was communicated in a letter dated September 11, 2025, addressed to Selective Marine Services Limited, the rig’s operator, and signed by the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
Eniola Akinkuotu, the Head of Media and Strategic Communications at NUPRC, confirmed the revocation in a statement released on Friday. The statement noted, “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 revocation stems from a thorough review of the drilling operations at the UDIBE-2 wellbore, where a kick was recorded. This incident led to prolonged Non-Productive Time (NPT), incurring significant costs and necessitating a forced sidetrack of the well.
A kick in drilling refers to the unintended influx of formation fluids, such as oil, gas, or water, into the wellbore due to pressure imbalances. If not managed properly, this can escalate into a blowout, posing severe risks to personnel, assets, and the environment.
NUPRC had previously issued a formal notice of culpability on June 5, 2025, in accordance with Section 97 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, allowing the operator 21 days to address the issue. A reminder was sent on July 9, 2025, but no resolution was achieved within the stipulated 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 stated.
Furthermore, the Oritsemeyin Rig has been disqualified from all renewal protocols, with NUPRC emphasizing that this action aligns with its mandate under the PIA 2021 to uphold global oilfield standards, ensure operational safety, promote technical excellence, and guarantee environmental and commercial sustainability in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The revocation of the Oritsemeyin Rig licence represents one of the most significant regulatory actions since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act. By invoking Section 97 of the PIA, the commission has signaled that non-compliant operators will face strict consequences, serving as a warning to other rig operators and drilling contractors to enhance safety procedures, improve technical training, and adhere to international best practices.
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