Nigeria eyes global oil investment as paris forum approaches

Nigeria is poised to reassert its position as a key player in the global oil and gas sector, with government officials set to engage with international stakeholders at the upcoming Invest in African Energy forum in Paris.

Renewed investment opportunities emerge

After reporting increased upstream activity, Nigeria is now positioned to attract renewed investment in its oil and gas sector. A series of reforms, new project approvals, and a shift in asset ownership have contributed to this resurgence, according to the APO Group.

In 2025, the country approved 28 field development plans valued at $18.2 billion, targeting an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of reserves. Crude production has rebounded to around 1.6-1.7 million barrels per day, driven by increased drilling activity and government-led initiatives aimed at restoring output.

The greater participation of indigenous operators following divestments by international oil companies has also contributed an estimated 200,000 barrels per day to national production.

The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act has reshaped the fiscal and regulatory framework, with officials citing improved transparency and investment conditions.

Beyond upstream developments, Nigeria continues to expand its infrastructure across the value chain. The Dangote refinery, with a capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day, is ramping up operations, while pipeline rehabilitation and expansion efforts aim to improve crude transport and export reliability.

Gas monetization remains another focus area, with projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline targeting increased domestic utilization and industrial growth.

Nigeria's petroleum minister is expected to highlight licensing opportunities, investment-ready assets, and partnership prospects at the Paris forum, as the country seeks to reestablish itself as a key destination for global oil and gas capital.