Canadian independent Meren Energy is mobilising a sweeping multi-well drilling campaign across Nigeria, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea, positioning itself to capitalise on the growing global demand for secure energy supply from West Africa’s deepwater basins.
In Nigeria, Meren will mobilise a rig in the second half of 2026 to commence drilling the Akpo Far East exploration well — its first in the upcoming Nigerian campaign — followed by additional drilling at the Akpo and Egina fields, with a target to bring those wells online in early 2027. The company also plans to drill the Ikija appraisal well under the PPL 2003 licence in the fourth quarter of 2026, and will drill an appraisal well at the Egina South discovery within OPL 257 alongside TotalEnergies. Six additional wells in the Agbami field under PML 52 licence are planned between 2027 and 2028.
In South Africa, Meren plans to commence a five-well exploration campaign in Block 3B/4B, beginning with the Nayla well once pending environmental proceedings are resolved. Subject to securing investment partners, drilling activities on EG-31 in Equatorial Guinea are planned to begin in 2027, with EG-18 to follow.
Meren President and CEO Oliver Quinn said West Africa’s deepwater basins are emerging as a strategically vital source of secure and reliable hydrocarbons as international buyers seek alternatives, and that Meren — with its strong balance sheet, high netback production, and deep organic growth portfolio — is well placed to benefit as the strategic value of West African energy assets is repriced.
Source: prospect-intel.com
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