The bids for the exploration blocks have been submitted by firms including Armour Energy, WalterSmithPetroman Oil, Oranto Petroleum, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources, Rift Energy, Glint Energy and Swala Energy.
The Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development (MEMD) said that the government will sign production sharing agreements and award Exploration licenses to selected winners by the end of June 2016.
Located in Ngassa, Tai Tai & Karuka, Ngaji, Mvule, Turaco, Kanywantaba, the six blocks cover a total of 3,000km² and are expected to commence oil production by 2018, reported Reuters.
The government geologists estimates the blocks to hold total 6 billion barrels.
The first competitive bidding round for the exploration blocks was announced in February 2015 and bidding documents were issued to 16 companies in October 2015.
Meanwhile, environmental groups including Global Witness and Greenpeace protested the exploration of Ngaji block, which covers half of Lake Edward and large part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, citing concern over the oil spill risk or leak into the lake, impacting food and water security for many people.
George Boden from Global Witness said: "Oil contracts can last for 30 years or more, and oil exploration can do irreversible damage to both people and environment.
"The government should carry out careful checks into the background of each company and publish the details of all of their real owners to ensure that they are suitable for the job and that there is no conflict of interest."
