Seplat denies ExxonMobil deal under threat
Acquisition of US major’s assets still on track, says Nigerian independent
Nigerian independent Seplat has rejected reports suggesting state-owned NNPC has pre-empted its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s shallow-water assets in Nigeria. Seplat issued a statement saying it had “become aware of newspaper and social media reports that the NNPC has exercised a right of pre-emption" on its deal to acquire the US major’s Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) subsidiary. This pre-emption reportedly arose from the existing joint operating agreement (JOA) between NNPC and MPNU, but Seplat “wishes to clarify” that its previously announced SPA with ExxonMobil relates to the acquisition of the share capital of MPNU’s shareholders—comprising Mobil Development Nigeria and Mobil Ex
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






