Nicolau dos Reis Lobato (24 May 1946 – 31 December 1978) was an East Timorese politician who is considered a national hero of the country.

Lobato was the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of East Timor from 28 November to 7 December 1975.

Upon the invasion by the Indonesian military, Lobato, along with other key Fretilin leaders, fled into the Timorese hinterland to fight against the occupying forces.

On the final day of 1978, Lobato was ambushed by Indonesian special forces led by Lieutenant Prabowo Subianto (later son-in-law of President Suharto, now Indonesian president since 2024) at Mount Mindelo.

[1][2] He was killed after being shot in the stomach on 31 December 1978 and his body was brought to Dili to be inspected by Indonesian press.