FG Halts Total Energies, Chappel OML Move – NUPRC Clarifies

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has clarified why the federal government revoked its ministerial consent for the divestment deal between TotalEnergies and Chappal Energies.

According to a statement released on the Commission’s official X account on Thursday, the withdrawal was due to Chappal Energies—owners of Telema Energies Nigeria Limited—failing to finalize the transaction months after it was approved on October 28, 2024.

NUPRC recalled that it had initially granted consent for the transfer of TotalEnergies’ entire 10 percent participating interest in the NNPCL/Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture (excluding OMLs 23, 28, and 77) to Chappal Energies. The approval covered several oil mining leases, including OMLs 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 43, 45, 46, 74, and 79.

ALSO READ : Marketers: Dangote’s 4,000 Trucks Can’t Fuel the Nation

However, the regulator explained that despite granting extensions, Chappal Energies did not complete the deal. As a result, the ministerial consent was officially withdrawn on May 29, 2025.

NUPRC emphasized that the withdrawal does not close the door on future divestments. It noted that any subsequent attempt at an asset transfer would still be considered, provided it aligns with existing laws and regulations.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Reaffirming its stance, the Commission stated that, in line with Section 6(h) of the Petroleum Industry Act, it remains committed to fostering an enabling environment for investment in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.