The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has dismissed the allegation of infraction in the recent allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 Oil Licensing Bid.
The NUPRC insisted in a statement that the process was transparent and clearly unambiguous saying that the allegation of underhand dealing alleged by some media outlets was spurious, malicious and fabricated.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the 2024 Bid Round Committee of NUPRC, Mr Bashiru Indabawa stated that the allegation was a pure blackmail and malicious attack intended to generate unnecessary controversy, “as there have been no such deals with any individual, group or institution whatsoever.”
According to Indabawa, “for those well-versed in the operations of the oil industry under the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, alongside the regulatory frameworks established by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the unfolding scenario may seem almost like a fairy tale.
“It appears too extraordinary to be credible within the context of the existing regulatory environment and the meticulous processes mandated for oil bid rounds.”
For the purpose of clarity he said, “the NUPRC recently undertook the initiation and conclusion of the 2024 Oil Bid Round. This process was characterized by a comprehensive and rigorous framework designed to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
“Among the key components of this meticulous process were public hearings held at various stages, where all relevant industry stakeholders were encouraged to participate and voice their perspectives.
“These hearings facilitated a collaborative atmosphere, allowing for input from regulatory agencies and all parties operating in, and oversighting industry operations. Their involvement was not limited to the final stages of the bid round.
“They played an integral role from the very outset, contributing to the development of regulations and guiding the bid process. This level of engagement and procedural rigour underscores a commitment to fostering a fair and competitive bidding environment in the Nigerian oil sector.
“The selection process for the 2024 oil bid round was a comprehensive and inclusive event, involving a diverse array of stakeholders such as the International Oil Companies (IOCs), various local and international firms, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, and both national and international media representatives.
“This process was conducted in a manner that upheld the principles of competitiveness, openness and transparency, as mandated by section 73 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).”
Indabawa added that “the licensing round conducted by NUPRC under Engr. Komolafe was the first in nearly 70 years of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry history to leverage digital technology, devoid of any human interference, in a manner adjudged to be in line with global best practices.
“The outcome was televised live and attended by all the aforementioned stakeholders. There was no room for any manipulation to warrant any underhand dealings whatsoever, as insinuated mischievously in the publication.
“Therefore, any allegations or insinuations regarding underhand dealings or bribery lack merit and are entirely unfounded, serving only to mislead. These claims are not rooted in truth, and disregard the rigorous standards upheld throughout the selection process.
“Going through the publication, it was obvious that the anonymous “Our Reporter” in the blog was on a blackmail mission. He intentionally obscured the identity of his so-called sources, failing to properly identify even one of the more than 14 alleged informants and so-called experts and groups cited.
“The storytelling style felt more like a targeted opinion than a legitimate news report. The publication referred to a vague collection of contributors, such as multiple sources familiar with the matter, insiders, a senior NUPRC official who spoke anonymously, etc. Other phrases included analysts arguing, sources familiar with Komolafe’s operation, and many others who provided opinions without being named.
“This wholesale reliance on anonymity raises critical questions: What were these sources claiming? What were they disclosing or discussing in a matter that was not in the public domain. If the story is a unique revelation based on careful investigation, as claimed, then the lack of identifiable sources undermines its credibility. This approach suggests a bias and a possible agenda behind the article, indicating that the publication may have been more focused on attacking a subject than delivering a fair and factual report.
“The article provides no conclusions regarding the alleged cases involving the EFCC, ICPC or the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court. The publication’s consistent omission of the outcomes of the various investigations and adjudications raised in the concocted article suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead the audience and bolster the impact of its unfounded claims.
He stressed that, “the meticulous processes and regulatory frameworks established by the NUPRC during the 2024 Oil Bid Round demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fairness in the industry. Allegations of misconduct, particularly those lacking substantive evidence, distract from the real advancements being made in the oil sector and contribute to a culture of misinformation.”
He urged the public to disregard the mischievous motives of those behind the smear campaigns insisting that, “the NUPRC leadership is unwavering in its firm commitment to the implementation of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold reform initiatives in the Nigerian oil and gas sector for optimisation of federation revenue in the overall national interest.”
