The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has terminated the operating license of the Oritsemeyin drilling rig, marking a significant enforcement action under the country’s petroleum industry regulations.
The regulatory body announced the revocation in a September 11, 2025, letter to Selective Marine Services Limited, the rig’s operator, signed by NUPRC Chief Executive Engineer Gbenga Komolafe. The decision follows serious safety violations during drilling operations.
The regulatory action stems from a dangerous incident during the drilling of the UDIBE-2 wellbore, where the rig experienced what the industry terms a “kick” – an uncontrolled influx of formation fluids into the wellbore. This occurred when wellbore pressure dropped below formation pressure, allowing oil, gas, or water to rush into the drilling area.
Such incidents pose significant safety risks and can escalate into catastrophic blowouts if not properly managed. The event resulted in substantial operational delays, increased costs, and forced the drilling team to abandon the original well path and drill a new sidetrack.
According to NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the commission followed proper procedures before taking action. Under Section 97 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, NUPRC issued a formal notice of violation on June 5, 2025, giving the operator 21 days to address the issues.
When the company failed to respond adequately, regulators sent a follow-up notice on July 9, 2025, extending the deadline for resolution. Despite these opportunities, Selective Marine Services Limited did not achieve compliance within the required timeframe.
“The annual license to operate granted to Selective Marine Services Limited for the Oritsemeyin Rig is hereby revoked,” the commission stated in its announcement.
The license revocation represents one of the most significant enforcement actions since the Petroleum Industry Act took effect in 2021. The legislation granted NUPRC expanded authority to regulate technical, operational, and environmental standards across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
Beyond terminating current operations, NUPRC has permanently disqualified the Oritsemeyin Rig from future licensing processes, effectively ending its participation in Nigerian drilling activities.
The regulatory body emphasized that this action demonstrates its commitment to enforcing international best practices, operational safety standards, and environmental sustainability in the oil and gas industry.
This decisive enforcement action sends a clear message to other drilling contractors and rig operators throughout Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The NUPRC’s willingness to revoke licenses signals that safety violations will face serious consequences, regardless of operational costs or commercial considerations.
Industry observers note that this case establishes a precedent encouraging operators to strengthen safety procedures, invest in proper training programs, and ensure strict adherence to international oilfield practices to avoid similar regulatory action.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
