The revocation was formally communicated in a letter dated September 11, 2025, addressed to the rig’s operator, Selective Marine Services Limited, and signed by the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
In a statement issued Friday by the Commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the regulator disclosed that the decision followed extensive investigations into operational lapses during the drilling of the UDIBE-2 wellbore.
According to NUPRC, the rig recorded a kick—an uncontrolled influx of formation fluids—leading to significant non-productive time, extra costs, and eventually a forced sidetrack operation. The Commission warned that such incidents, if poorly managed, could escalate into catastrophic blowouts.
The regulator revealed that Selective Marine Services had earlier been issued a notice of culpability on June 5, 2025, in line with Section 97 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, followed by a reminder on July 9. However, the company failed to provide satisfactory remediation within the stipulated timeframe.
“Consequent upon the foregoing, and pursuant to the powers conferred on the Commission under the PIA 2021, the annual licence to operate granted to Selective Marine Services Limited for the Oritsemeyin Rig is hereby revoked,” the statement read.
Beyond the revocation, the Oritsemeyin Rig has also been disqualified from all licence renewal protocols, underscoring NUPRC’s determination to enforce strict compliance with safety, technical, and environmental standards.
Industry watchers note that this action represents one of the most decisive enforcement steps by NUPRC since the PIA came into effect. Analysts suggest it sends a clear warning to other drilling contractors and rig operators: safety lapses and operational negligence will no longer be tolerated.
By invoking Section 97 of the Act, the regulator aims to uphold international best practices, safeguard oilfield operations, and ensure long-term commercial and environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
