The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations 2026 (“the 2026 Regulations”), recently issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to sections 232 and 233 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (“PIA”), for the regulation of the decommissioning and abandonment of the wells, installations and facilities used in upstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.
The 2026 Regulations revoke the Nigeria Upstream Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations 2023 (“the 2023 Regulations”), with saving provisions for prior regulatory actions and permits. In this article we explain the 2026 Regulations, how they di er from the 2023 Regulations, and key issues for licensees, lessees, operators, investors and financiers to note.
