The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that the 2026 oil and gas licensing round will commence by the third quarter of 2026, following approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday after a visit by Meren Energy, formerly Africa Oil, to its headquarters in Abuja.

According to the statement, NUPRC Chief Executive Officer, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, announced the timeline while receiving the delegation.

“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the 2026 Licensing Round will commence latest by Q3 2026, having received the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act,” the statement said.

Mrs Eyesan expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing 2025 Licensing Round, noting that the commercial bid phase is scheduled for July, after which preparations for the next round would begin.

A licensing round is a competitive process through which governments allocate oil and gas exploration and production rights to companies.

2025 licensing round

The announcement comes months after the NUPRC, under its former Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, launched the 2025 licensing round, which took effect from 1 December 2025.

At the launch, Mr Komolafe said the commission was focused on addressing funding constraints in the upstream sector by improving collaboration among stakeholders.

“One of the factors that affected business is that activities were happening in silos, but the NUPRC now realises the need to bring everyone together,” he said.

As part of preparations for the 2025 exercise, the commission in January invited global energy investors, upstream operators, financial institutions and strategic partners to a webinar ahead of the bid process.

In March, the NUPRC announced the completion of the pre-qualification stage, enabling successful applicants to access and lease relevant geological and technical data required for technical and commercial bid submissions.

“With the pre-qualification stage now successfully completed, the Commission will, from today, March 17, 2026, permit successful applicants to lease data in preparation for the technical and commercial bid submissions,” the commission said at the time.

The regulator added that applicants would only be allowed to source data from approved channels and must provide evidence of payment before submitting bids.

‘Attractive investment destination’

Speaking on Wednesday, Mrs Eyesan said increased participation in the 2025 licensing round reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

She attributed this to rising investments, improved production levels and reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We are also fortunate that the President and Minister of Petroleum Resources have approved the 2026 Licensing Round,” she said.

“So, we are in the process of finalising the 2026 launch which will happen latest by the third quarter. So, this is the make-or-break point, and we want to make sure we make it.”

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Also speaking, Meren Energy Group CEO, Oliver Quinn, said reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector have encouraged the company to expand its investments and participate more actively in asset acquisitions and licensing opportunities.

Mr Quinn said Nigeria remains Meren Energy’s top investment destination in Africa.

“We have operated in Agbami, Akpo and Egina world-class fields. I think till date, in 20 years, about $11 billion in capital from our side has gone into these assets, and about $4 billion has gone to tax and royalties,” he said.

“Nigeria remains the core of our business today because of the quality of these assets.”

According to him, the company is encouraging its partners to deepen investments in existing assets to boost production.

Mr Quinn also said Meren Energy was the first company in Nigeria to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery and would continue to meet its Domestic Crude Supply Obligation, provided commercial terms remain favourable.

Only 10 months ago, the teenage sensation completed a modest €750,000 move from Kaduna-based Ikon Allah Football Academy to Sweden.

Today, some of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly preparing offers worth around €30 million for the explosive forward — a staggering increase in value that underlines his remarkable transformation.

Yohanna’s rapid emergence has turned him into arguably the most sought-after Nigerian teenage attacker in world football.

The Nigerian Neymar is taking Sweden by Storm

Born in Bauchi State and raised in Kaduna, Yohanna arrived in Sweden largely unknown outside Nigerian grassroots football circles.

But it took only a few months for the left-footed winger to explode onto the European scene.

Operating mainly from the right wing, Yohanna has dazzled fans with blistering pace, fearless dribbling, direct attacking play, and an eye for goal.

His electrifying style has already earned comparisons to Brazilian superstar Neymar, with many Swedish observers dubbing him the “Nigerian Neymar.”

During the 2026 season, the teenager quickly established himself as a first-team regular for AIK, producing goals, assists, and match-winning moments that have attracted elite-level attention across Europe.

One of his biggest breakout moments came when he scored a dramatic late winner on his league debut against Halmstads BK — instantly announcing himself to Swedish football.

Europe’s Biggest Clubs Circle

Yohanna’s rise has triggered a fierce transfer race among top European clubs.

Reports in Sweden and England suggest that Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. are currently leading the chase after holding advanced talks over a possible deal.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United F.C. are believed to have tabled one of the biggest financial proposals, with figures reportedly reaching €24 million.

European heavyweights, including Newcastle FC, Chelsea F.C., Real Madrid CF, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, have also been strongly linked with the teenager.

AIK officials have already acknowledged growing interest in the Nigerian starlet and hinted that any transfer could shatter the club’s existing transfer record.

Should a deal close near the reported valuation, Yohanna would become one of the most expensive Nigerian teenagers ever sold directly from Scandinavia.

Why Clubs Want Him

Scouts across Europe are reportedly fascinated by Yohanna’s rare combination of athleticism and flair.

Strengths

Explosive acceleration and elite recovery speed

Exceptional 1v1 dribbling ability

Dangerous inverted winger profile cutting in from the right

Confident finishing under pressure

Creativity in transition attacks

Fearless mentality despite his age

His ability to attack defenders directly and produce moments of magic in tight spaces has made him one of the most exciting young wingers currently playing outside Europe’s top five leagues.

Areas Still Developing

Like most teenage attackers, Yohanna is still refining aspects of his game.

Observers believe he can still improve:

Defensive tracking and off-ball discipline

Tactical adaptation against compact defensive systems

Physical consistency over full 90-minute performances

Decision-making in high-pressure situations

However, scouts believe his ceiling is extremely high due to his raw talent and confidence.

Super Eagles Recognition Arrives

Yohanna’s sensational performances earned him a maiden call-up to the Nigerian national team under coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup tournament in London.

However, AIK reportedly blocked his release in order to manage a physical knock and continue his rehabilitation process in Sweden.

Despite missing out on a possible debut, many already see him as part of the next generation of attacking stars for the Nigeria national football team.

From Kaduna Academy to Global Spotlight

The rise of Zadok Yohanna is another powerful reminder of Nigeria’s endless football production line.

From academy football in Kaduna to becoming a €20 million target within less than a year, the teenager’s journey represents one of the most dramatic breakthroughs by a Nigerian youngster in recent times.

And at just 18, his story may only be beginning.