NUPRC, PERTAMINA EXPLORE FRESH INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NIGERIA’S 2026 LICENSING ROUND

....Indonesia’s state oil giant signals interest as Nigeria pushes for higher production and deeper upstream investment.

By Hypenews Reports 

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has opened discussions with Indonesian energy stakeholders on potential petroleum investment opportunities in Nigeria, with Indonesia’s state-owned oil company, Pertamina, expressing interest in the country’s forthcoming 2026 licensing round.

The development followed high-level engagements involving the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, and Toriq Abdat, Vice President, Upstream Business Development at Pertamina.

The discussions are part of broader efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation in the petroleum sector and attract investment capable of supporting increased exploration, development and production.

Nigeria has set ambitious production objectives as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen upstream activity and unlock additional investment opportunities. NUPRC had earlier confirmed that the 2026 Licensing Round was approved and was being prepared for launch, following the conclusion of key stages of the preceding licensing process.

Pertamina’s reported interest in the 2026 licensing round could create an avenue for deeper commercial engagement between Nigeria and Indonesia’s energy sectors.

The engagement also highlights Nigeria’s efforts to position its upstream petroleum industry as an investment destination by providing new opportunities for companies seeking acreage, exploration prospects and potential production growth.

For Indonesia, the discussions come amid its own drive to increase domestic oil production. The country has acknowledged the need to attract additional investment and develop resources to support its longer-term production ambitions.

Nigeria currently produces around 1.7 million barrels of crude oil and condensate per day, according to recent NUPRC figures, while the Commission continues to pursue measures aimed at increasing production and attracting new capital into the upstream sector.

NUPRC has also stressed the importance of predictable and periodic licensing rounds in sustaining exploration, replenishing reserves and providing investors with a clear pipeline of opportunities.

The Commission's 2026 licensing round is therefore expected to form part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to expand upstream investment, increase reserves and support higher production.

The engagement with Indonesian officials and Pertamina points to growing opportunities for bilateral cooperation in oil and gas, particularly in upstream investment, technical collaboration and the development of petroleum assets.

As both countries seek to increase production and attract capital, the latest discussions could provide a platform for stronger commercial links between Nigerian and Indonesian energy companies.

For Nigeria, the potential participation of an international national oil company such as Pertamina would further broaden the pool of prospective investors as the country advances preparations for the 2026 licensing round.

HYPENEWS Reports will continue to monitor developments around the 2026 Nigerian licensing round and emerging investment partnerships in the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.

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