Indonesia’s state-owned oil company, Pertamina, has expressed interest in acquiring oil and gas assets in Nigeria as part of efforts to expand its upstream operations.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said Pertamina is seeking investment opportunities in Nigeria and has indicated interest in participating in the country’s upcoming 2026 oil and gas licensing round.
Toriq Abdat, Pertamina’s Vice-President for Upstream Business Development, disclosed the company’s interest during a meeting with Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NUPRC’s Chief Executive Officer, in Abuja.
According to the commission, discussions centred on potential investment opportunities within Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, including the acquisition and development of oil and gas assets.
Pertamina’s interest comes as Nigeria prepares for its 2026 licensing round, through which the government is expected to offer selected upstream opportunities to investors.
The Indonesian energy giant is one of the major state-owned oil companies in Asia and has operations spanning exploration, production, refining and energy trading.
The NUPRC said the engagement reflects growing international interest in Nigeria’s upstream sector following ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the commission to attract fresh investment into the industry.
Nigeria has been seeking to increase investment in oil and gas exploration and production while improving the operating environment for international and domestic investors.
The commission has continued to engage potential investors as part of efforts to deepen participation in Nigeria’s upstream industry and maximise the country’s petroleum resources.
Pertamina’s potential participation in the 2026 licensing round could therefore open another avenue for increased Indonesian investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
