Meren Energy has signalled a clear intention to increase its investment in Nigeria as the country prepares for another upstream oil and gas licensing round in 2026.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has said the 2026 Licensing Round will begin no later than the third quarter of 2026, following approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The announcement came during a visit by Meren Energy to the NUPRC’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The regulator said it was satisfied with the progress of the 2025 Licensing Round, with the commercial bid stage expected in July. Once that process is completed, attention is expected to shift to the next licensing round.
Nigeria is trying to show that its oil and gas sector is open for capital, with a more structured licensing process and an emphasis on attracting companies willing to invest. The regulator also pointed to rising investment and higher production as signs that recent reforms are improving confidence in the sector.
Meren Group CEO Oliver Quinn said Nigeria’s current reforms had encouraged the company to look at increasing its investment in the country. He also said the company is interested in both asset divestments and licensing rounds, which means Meren could seek growth through existing assets coming to market as well as new exploration opportunities.
Quinn said Africa is Meren Energy’s main investment priority, and that Nigeria ranks first within that strategy.
Meren also highlighted its long operating history in Nigeria. The company said it has invested about $11 billion in the Agbami, Akpo and Egina fields over the past 20 years, while paying more than $4 billion in taxes and royalties.
Meren Energy Inc (MER.TO) is a leading independent, full-cycle E&P with production and development assets in deepwater Nigeria, a leading carried position in the Orange Basin across Namibia and South Africa, and operated licences in Equatorial Guinea.
