The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has dismissed recent allegations of underhand dealings in the allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 oil licensing bid round as false insinuations and a spurious attempt to blackmail.
In a strong rebuttal on Monday, the Chairman of the 2024 Bid Round Committee, Bashiru Indabawa, described the allegations as a fabricated article by a notorious blackmailer intended to generate unnecessary controversy.
“This appears to be the work of a notorious blackmailer, a malicious attack intended to generate unnecessary controversy, as there have been no such deals with any individual, group or institution whatsoever,” Indabawa said.
He said within the context of the existing regulatory environment where operations of the oil industry are regulated by the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, alongside the regulatory frameworks established by the NUPRC as well as the meticulous processes mandated for oil bid rounds, allegations of underhand dealings and bribery may seem almost like a fairy tale and too extraordinary to be credible.
“To provide some clarity, the NUPRC recently undertook the initiation and conclusion of the 2024 Oil Bid Round. This process was characterised 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).
“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,” the Chairman said.
“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 added.
