EXHIBIT 23.0
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                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of Nexen Inc.:

         o        Registration Statement No.'s 033-26582, 033-34467, 033-43426,
                  033-66538, 033-81334, 333-05494, 333-07344, 333-09286 and
                  333-13574 on Form S-8;

         o        Registration Statement No.'s 333-09288, 333-10646 and
                  333-84786 on Form F-3; and

         o        Registration Statement No.'s 333-08142, 333-09542, 333-09856,
                  333-88254 and 333-109747 on Form F-9

of our report dated February 9, 2004 (which report expresses an unqualified
opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to (i) the application of
procedures relating to certain reclassifications of financial statement amounts
for discontinued operations, and (ii) the adoption of a new accounting
principle, both related to the 2001 consolidated financial statements that were
audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and for which we have
expressed no opinion or other form of assurance other than with respect to such
disclosures and reclassifications), appearing in this Annual Report on Form
10-K of Nexen Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2003.

(signed) "Deloitte & Touche LLP"

Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

February 20, 2004