Russia has proposed a cross-continental energy partnership by offering Pakistan stakes in its oil and gas fields located in Nigeria, a move that signals Moscow’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties with Islamabad and deepen its growing involvement in Africa’s energy sector.

The proposal was made during an official visit to Moscow by a Pakistani delegation led by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.

Pakistan, which previously made unsuccessful attempts to explore oil and gas in Iraq through Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), is now shifting focus.

Rather than engaging in early-stage exploration, Islamabad is looking to invest in projects already under development, an approach intended to reduce risk and ensure stronger returns.

According to details from the ongoing talks, Pakistan expressed interest in acquiring stakes in Nigerian oil and gas fields involving Russian firms.

Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom, represented by Sergey Tumanov, General Director of Gazprom International, is leading the initiative.

Gazprom has formally invited Pakistan’s largest oil and gas company, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), to take part in its overseas ventures.

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Also present at the meeting was Ahmed Hayat Lak, Managing Director and CEO of OGDCL, underlining Pakistan’s serious intent to participate in the proposed arrangement.

For Islamabad, the potential partnership could ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves while helping diversify energy sources amid global market volatility.

Gazprom has expanded its footprint in Nigeria’s energy sector over the past decade through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and production-sharing agreements.

Although traditionally focused on exporting natural gas to Europe and Asia, Gazprom is increasingly turning its attention to Africa as part of a broader push to diversify Russia’s energy portfolio.

In Nigeria, the company previously entered a $2.5 billion deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The latest offer to bring Pakistan into joint operations signals a multi-dimensional strategy that ties together diplomatic, commercial, and logistical interests across three regions.

While no binding agreement has been reached yet, the proposal reflects Russia’s deepening outreach in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, which holds the continent’s largest proven gas reserves and plays a major role in global crude oil exports.

If finalized, the partnership would represent a significant geopolitical and economic alignment, combining Russian assets, Pakistani investment, and Nigerian resources into a shared energy venture that spans Eurasia and Africa.

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