Meren Energy Nigeria Investment Boost as NUPRC Confirms 2026 Licensing Round Timeline

Meren Energy has announced plans to deepen its investment footprint in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s upstream industry as new opportunities emerge under upcoming licensing rounds.

This development comes as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) confirmed that the 2026 Licensing Round will officially commence no later than the third quarter of 2026, following approval from President Bola Tinubu, who also oversees petroleum resources in the country.

Speaking during a meeting in Abuja with Meren Energy’s management team, NUPRC Chief Executive Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan stated that preparations for the licensing exercise were already in their final stages. She noted that strong participation in the ongoing 2025 Licensing Round reflects growing investor trust in Nigeria’s petroleum reforms driven by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to her, increased investment interest and rising production levels show that recent policy reforms are making Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector more attractive and competitive on the global stage. She described the momentum as a clear sign that the country is moving in the right direction.

On the investor side, Meren Energy CEO Dr Oliver Quinn reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, describing it as the firm’s most important investment hub in Africa. He highlighted the company’s extensive history in major oil fields and its significant financial contributions over the past two decades. He also confirmed that the company, which played a pioneering role in supplying crude to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, will continue meeting its domestic supply obligations while expanding its participation in future licensing opportunities.

source: newtelegraph