Oil and gas industry consultant, Dr. Maurice Ibe, has described the revocation of the operating licence of the Oritsemeyin Rig as a strong signal to upstream operators on the need for strict compliance with industry regulations.
Ibe, who also serves as Group Executive Chairman of the Benham Group, said the decision by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reflects the regulator’s commitment to enforcing safety, technical standards, and good oilfield practices as mandated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).
The NUPRC, in a letter dated September 11, 2025, directed Selective Marine Services Limited (SMSL), operator of the Oritsemeyin Rig, to cease operations once its current well activity is completed. The regulator explained that the action followed its review of incidents during the drilling of the UDIBE-2 wellbore, where a “kick” occurred—resulting in significant non-productive time, additional costs, and the need for a forced sidetrack.
The Commission further barred the Oritsemeyin Rig from all future licence renewal processes in line with legal provisions.
Reacting to the development, Ibe noted that the sanction underscores the seriousness of regulatory oversight in the oil and gas sector. “Oritsemeyin apparently failed to adhere to standard operating procedures and protocols. NUPRC’s decisive action should be welcomed by serious investors as it prevents potential safety issues that could escalate into major disasters,” he said.
A “kick” in drilling refers to the unwanted inflow of oil, gas, or water into a wellbore when formation pressure exceeds the pressure inside the well. If not properly managed, it can escalate into a blowout, one of the most dangerous occurrences in oilfield operations.