Chevron announced on Friday that it will participate in Nigeria’s next oil licensing round and plans to deploy a drilling rig in late 2026 as it actively seeks to expand its operations in Africa’s top energy producer.

Jim Swartz, the chairman and managing director of Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, conveyed this commitment.

Swartz stated that the company aims to grow its footprint in Nigeria, citing improved regulatory clarity achieved under the Petroleum Industry Act. After meeting with the upstream regulator, Swartz told reporters: “We will participate in the next licensing round. Our intention is to continue to grow in Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s licensing rounds are part of the government’s efforts to attract necessary investment and boost oil output after years of underinvestment in the sector. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has confirmed that the upcoming 2025 round will offer 50 fields to investors through a digital platform.

The company TotalEnergies has also expressed interest in joining the auction. Chevron currently holds a 40\% stake in two offshore exploration licenses, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, which it acquired from TotalEnergies, and is actively seeking regulatory approval to accelerate their development.

Swartz further detailed Chevron’s operational plans, stating that it plans to bring in a rig in late 2026 to drill a newly discovered resource located near Agbami. Additionally, the company is also seeking to extend the leases on its existing assets in the country.

In a sign of improved security within the sector, Swartz added that Chevron had recorded no oil theft or sabotage in the past year. This marks the longest period without any disruptions in its Nigerian operations, suggesting a positive trend in security management.