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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission – NUPRC has officially signed the Petroleum Exploration Licence – PEL No. 5 agreement with SeaSeisGeophysical Limited, marking a significant leap in Nigeria’s offshore exploration capabilities.

Executed at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the three-year agreement authorizes SeaSeis, in partnership with global energy data firm TGS, to acquire and process advanced 3D seismic and gravity data. This strategic move aligns with Section 71 of the Petroleum Industry Act – PIA 2021, which encourages non-exclusive acreage exploration to bolster national hydrocarbon reserves.

The ambitious PEL No. 5 project covers a massive 11,700 square kilometers in the Eastern Niger Delta, specifically targeting water depths between 400 and 2,800 meters. This region, known as the Outer Fold and Thrust Belt, is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most prolific yet geologically complex areas.

By utilizing TGS’s “GeoStreamer” dual-sensor and broadband acquisition technology, the partnership aims to provide high-fidelity data that will allow oil and gas operators to evaluate deepwater prospects with unprecedented clarity and confidence.

NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, emphasized that the issuance of the licence reflects the commission’s commitment to data-driven transparency and long-term value creation. Since taking the lead at the NUPRC following executive reshuffles in late 2025, Eyesan has prioritized credible partnerships to meet national production targets. She noted that the “appetite for exploration” is growing, and providing high-quality subsurface data is the only way to successfully increase the nation’s oil and gas reserves.

For SeaSeisGeophysical Limited, this represents their largest project on the African continent. Managing Director Mr. Goke Adeniyi highlighted that the scale of PEL 5 underscores the immense opportunities remaining in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

As the data-sharing agreement progresses, revenues will be split between the company and the NUPRC, creating a sustainable financial model for continuous exploration. This initiative is expected to fundamentally enhance Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global energy market by de-risking complex offshore assets for future investors.