Abuja: The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a substantial increase in the nation's oil production rigs, which have risen from eight in 2021 to 46 by July 2025. This increase was confirmed by Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive, during a media workshop inauguration for journalists covering the oil and gas sector in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the rig count is a crucial indicator of the vibrancy and performance within the oil and gas industry. The data from the commission reveals that approximately 46 active rigs are currently driving oil production in Nigeria. Komolafe attributed this steady growth to the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 and the commission's dedication to increasing oil production across the country.

The NUPRC has implemented the Project One Million Barrels initiative, which has successfully increased Nigeria's oil production from one million barrels per day to around 1.7 million barrels. This initiative, launched in October 2024, aims to boost oil production by an additional one million units per year, with about 300,000 barrels of oil per day already achieved since its inception.

Komolafe also praised President Bola Tinubu for the Executive Orders 40, 41, and 42, which have encouraged tax incentives and redefined industry contracting processes. These orders have resulted in significant investment inflows, with billions of dollars attracted to the country.

Furthermore, Komolafe urged media practitioners to report on the commission's activities professionally to help Nigerians better understand its operations. He emphasized the distinction between a regulator and an operator, noting the regulator's quasi-judicial role in mediating industry activities.