Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has approved 145 new well-drilling operations, 595 well re-entries and 39 field development plans (FDPs) so far this year as it seeks to boost crude output, attract investment and strengthen energy security, a senior official said on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the approvals reflected faster regulatory processing that has reduced project delays and costs for operators.

“Year to date, about 39 FDPs have been approved. About 145 new well-drilling approvals granted. Year to date, about 595 well re-entry approvals were granted,” NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said at an oil conference in Lagos.

Eyesan, represented by Ahmad Abdullahi, deputy director of basin administration, said faster approvals were helping operators advance projects needed to meet production targets and support energy availability.

She added that Nigeria had more than 100 drilling rigs, with 46 active this year, up more than 300% from 2021 levels.

Eyesan also noted seismic companies had invested more than $100 million in Nigeria since the Petroleum Industry Act came into force three years ago, improving exploration data and supporting efforts to discover new oil and gas reserves. The regulator is also working to curb crude theft across the country.