Tinubu’s UK-based Partner Wins Yorla South Oil Block in NUPRC 2025 Licensing Round

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has named Dutchford Exploration and Production Company as a winner in the 2025 licensing round. The company, co-founded by Olatimbo Ayinde — a UK-based businesswoman linked to President Bola Tinubu — secured the Yorla South field in Rivers State. Out of 143 firms that submitted 200 bids for 37 oil and gas blocks, 31 emerged successful. Awards cover diverse terrains, including onshore and offshore basins across the Niger Delta, Benin Basin, Anambra Basin, Chad Basin, and the Benue Trough. Winners must pay signature bonuses, meet first-year rent obligations, and secure ministerial approval within 90 days under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, or risk forfeiting their awards. NUPRC chief executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan highlighted unprecedented investor interest in frontier basins. Two companies have already challenged the Yorla South allocation in the Federal High Court. Their suit seeking to block the award was dismissed in April. Dutchford maintains affiliates across Africa, Malaysia, the UK, and the UAE.

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