Pressure Mounts! Oil Experts Call For Investigation Into NNPC, NUPRC Over New Allegations

A group of oil and gas professionals has called for a comprehensive investigation into the leadership and operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), citing concerns over allegations affecting the country’s petroleum sector.

The stakeholders argued that Nigeria’s oil industry cannot continue to function under persistent allegations and public distrust while key institutions remain the subject of scrutiny.

Their demand comes amid renewed public debate over crude oil production levels, licensing procedures and contract awards within the sector, alongside growing concerns about regulatory transparency, bid-round integrity and accountability.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its convener, Ayodele Momoh, the forum said the renewed calls for scrutiny reflect increasing unease over the pace of reforms and the credibility of major decisions shaping the industry.

According to the statement, the sector has come under fresh public attention following allegations of policy underperformance, controversial transactions and disputes surrounding the leadership of the NNPC and the NUPRC.

The group referenced former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, whose tenure, it said, was criticised over allegations of poor performance, corruption and the failure to significantly increase crude oil production beyond approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.

The forum further claimed that more than a year after a change in leadership, production has remained below that level, while concerns over performance and alleged questionable transactions have resurfaced.

The professionals also urged a closer review of the marginal oilfields licensing process, pointing to reports alleging possible insider influence, inconsistent application of regulations and overlapping allocations of oil blocks.

The statement alleged that NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari had been linked by critics to claims that individuals within his personal and professional network benefited from the allocation process. It further referenced allegations involving a senior NUPRC official. No evidence or official findings were presented in the statement to substantiate those claims.

The group maintained that the allocation of national assets should be guided by transparency, clearly defined criteria and equal opportunities for all qualified participants.

It noted that similar calls for a review of licensing exercises and a forensic audit of bid rounds had been made by other stakeholders within the industry.

The forum also alleged that some of the oil blocks awarded during the licensing process overlapped with interests reportedly linked to individuals described as being close to the Presidency.

Based on those allegations, the group called for the removal of NNPC GCEO Bayo Ojulari and NUPRC official Meyiwa Eyesan, arguing that leadership accountability should extend beyond previous reforms to include current management decisions affecting licensing, contract awards and production targets.

According to the stakeholders, public confidence in Nigeria’s oil industry depends not only on improved production but also on the perception that regulatory and commercial decisions are taken fairly and without undue influence.

They urged the Presidency and relevant oversight agencies to independently examine the allegations and ensure transparency in procurement, licensing and regulatory oversight.

The statement further alleged that the allocation of certain Oil Mining Leases (OMLs), including OML 64 and OML 98, had generated speculation over possible preferential treatment because of reported links to associates of the NNPC leadership.

It also claimed that Ojulari had maintained that his actions were undertaken with the knowledge of President Bola Tinubu, while arguing that public accountability requires independent verification beyond such assertions.

The forum concluded that, regardless of the eventual outcome of any investigation, the allegations have intensified internal tensions within the industry and renewed calls for stronger transparency and institutional accountability.

The group urged the relevant authorities to address the issues promptly, stressing that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector requires credible leadership, transparent governance and measurable performance to sustain investor confidence.