The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has strongly denied allegations of violating oil licensing guidelines during the 2024 Oil Block Licensing Round.
The Commission stated that the entire process was conducted in strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its own licensing guidelines, ensuring a transparent, competitive, and technology-driven bidding exercise.
NUPRC Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe in a statement issued on Thursday explained that the bid guidelines do not restrict participation based on a company’s age of incorporation. Instead, eligibility was determined by a rigorous assessment of technical expertise, financial strength, and legal compliance.
The Commission emphasized that the technical and financial capacity of a bidder is assessed based on the pedigree and proven track record of its promoters, affiliated companies, or parent organizations.
The 2024 Licensing Round involved multiple stages, including prequalification, technical evaluation, and commercial bid evaluation. The Commission used a transparent, digital, and point-based assessment system to evaluate bids, which included signature bonus, proposed work program financial commitments, and work performance security.
The NUPRC also clarified that a recent report claiming 40 oil block licenses will expire on June 27 is incorrect.
The Commission explained that the 40 Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) are at different stages of exploration, appraisal, and pre-development, with distinct regulatory requirements and timelines. Several licensees have applied to convert their PPLs into Petroleum Mining Leases (PMLs), which are currently under review.
The NUPRC emphasized its commitment to maintaining a transparent regulatory regime that benefits all Nigerians and highlighted the importance of ensuring that reports on its operational activities are contextual, fact-checked, and aligned with statutory provisions under the PIA and its regulations.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
