Practice Area
Oil & Gas Law
Regulation, contracts and disputes in Nigeria's energy sector
Overview
Oil and gas law governs how petroleum and natural gas are explored for, produced, processed, transported and sold. In Nigeria the central law is the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which created the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for upstream operations and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for midstream and downstream activities. Local participation is governed by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010, overseen by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Environmental, safety and host community obligations also apply. We advise operators, investors, contractors, suppliers and communities.
Learn about Oil & Gas Law
Oil and gas law is the set of rules for the whole petroleum value chain: finding oil and gas, producing it, processing and moving it, and selling it.
- Upstream: exploration and production.
- Midstream: processing, gas treatment, pipelines and storage.
- Downstream: refining, distribution and retail of petroleum products.
- The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 is the main law, supported by regulations and guidelines from the regulators.
- Rules on local content, the environment, safety, tax and host communities also apply.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and legal requirements may vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice about your specific situation.
Services Offered
Getting Legal Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regulator deals with my oil and gas business?
Under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission regulates exploration and production, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority regulates activities such as processing, transportation, storage and retail. Other agencies, such as the NCDMB and environmental regulators, may also be involved.
What is local content?
Nigerian content rules require companies in the oil and gas industry to give first consideration to Nigerian goods, services, companies and workers, and to plan and report on this. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board monitors compliance.
How are oil and gas disputes usually resolved?
Many industry contracts provide for negotiation followed by arbitration. Court cases involving oil fields and petroleum operations are often heard by the Federal High Court. The right route depends on the contract and the parties involved.
Speak to a Partner
Book a consultation and we will match your oil & gas law matter with the right partner.
Consultation Fees
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. No lawyer-client relationship is created by reading this page. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.