The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revoked the operating licence of the Oritsemeyin Rig, operated by Selective Marine Services Limited, over repeated safety violations and operational lapses.
In a letter dated September 11, 2025, and signed by the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, the regulator directed the oil rig to cease all operations once its current well activities are completed.
According to Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communications at NUPRC, the decision followed a thorough investigation into the drilling of the UDIBE-2 wellbore, during which a kick was recorded. The incident caused several Non-Productive Time (NPT) delays, escalated operational costs, and ultimately forced a well sidetrack.
A “kick” occurs when unwanted formation fluids such as oil, gas, or water flow into the wellbore due to a temporary pressure imbalance. If unmanaged, this can escalate into a blowout, one of the most dangerous events in drilling operations.
NUPRC revealed that a notice of culpability was first issued to Selective Marine Services on June 5, 2025, granting a 21-day compliance window, followed by a reminder on July 9, 2025. However, the company failed to resolve the issues within the stipulated timeframe.
“Consequent upon the foregoing and pursuant to the relevant powers conferred on the commission under the extant Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the annual licence to operate granted to Selective Marine Services Limited for the Oritsemeyin Rig is hereby revoked,” the commission stated.
The regulator further announced that the Oritsemeyin Rig has been disqualified from all renewal protocols, in strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
NUPRC emphasized that the revocation underscores its mandate to enforce international oilfield standards, operational safety, and environmental sustainability, while ensuring that the Nigerian upstream sector maintains technical excellence.
This action is regarded as one of the most decisive enforcement steps taken by the Commission since the enactment of the PIA in 2021. By invoking Section 97 of the Act, the regulator sent a strong warning to oil and gas operators that non-compliance with safety and regulatory standards will not be tolerated.
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