NUPRC Denies Bribe Allegations, Insists 2024 Oil Block Licensing Was Fair And Unbiased

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has emphasized that the allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 licensing bid was carried out with complete transparency.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Bashari Indabawa, the commission strongly refuted any claims of bribery influencing the outcome of the bidding process, following the announcement of the winners on December 18, 2024.

The NUPRC described the bribery allegations as baseless and misleading, highlighting that the entire bidding process was conducted openly, with live-streamed hearings. The commission further stressed that all relevant stakeholders were actively engaged throughout the process.

“The selection process for the 2024 oil bid round was a comprehensive and inclusive event, involving a wide range of stakeholders, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), local and international firms, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), relevant government agencies, civil society organizations, and national and international media,” the statement noted.

It further emphasized that stakeholders were involved at every stage of the bidding process, from the formulation of regulations to the final stages of the bid round, ensuring a collaborative and fair approach.

“This inclusive process and its procedural rigor reflect our commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive bidding environment in Nigeria’s oil sector,” the NUPRC concluded.