TotalEnergies sells 40% of Block OPL257 in Nigeria to Sapetro and remains operator
On 30 October 2026, the group concluded this agreement with South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO), already its partner on a neighbouring block off Nigeria. The stated objective is to prepare the appraisal of the Egina South field, which extends across both licence areas, while TotalEnergies retains its role as operator.
TotalEnergies will reduce its stake to 50% and remain operator
TotalEnergies has signed a sale agreement to sell a 40% interest in the offshore OPL257 block to SAPETRO. Upon completion of the transaction, the group will hold an operated 50% interest, alongside SAPETRO (40%) and Conoil (10%).
The block is located 150 kilometres off Nigeria. It adjoins block PPL261, in which TotalEnergies (24%) and its partners, including SAPETRO, discovered the Egina South field in 2005; the field extends across both blocks.
An appraisal campaign planned on Egina South
An appraisal campaign will be carried out in the coming months on the part of the field located within block OPL257. It is intended to assess a potential development of Egina South by tying back to the Egina FPSO, a floating production unit located approximately 30 kilometres away.
"Strengthening our partnership paves the way for a rapid appraisal campaign and, in case of success, for the development of Egina South," said Mike Sangster, Africa Director of the Exploration & Production division. He placed the operation within a strategy aimed at resources that are "low-cost and low-emission", relying on existing facilities.
A transaction subject to approval from the Nigerian regulator
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approval from the regulator. The development of Egina South itself remains contingent on the success of the appraisal campaign, according to the terms used by the group.
Nigeria is among TotalEnergies' main contributing countries to hydrocarbon production, with 188,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025. The group employs more than 1,800 staff there and operates a network of approximately 540 service stations.
