Underhand Dealings Claims In Oil Blocks Licensing Bid Round, False, Malicious—NUPRC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has faulted reports in a section of the
media (Not THE WHISTLER)that claimed some underhand dealings in the allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 oil licensing bid round.

The Commission said the publication appears to be the work of a notorious blackmailer, and a malicious attack intended to generate unnecessary controversy, as there have been no such deals with any individual, group or institution.

In a statement signed by Mr Bashiru Indabawa, Chairman 2024 Bid Round Committee, NUPRC, it dismissed the reports stating that the bid rounds were done in line with global best practices.

The NUPRC recently undertook the initiation and conclusion of the 2024 Oil Bid Round.

The 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, according to the NUPRC, was not limited to the final stages of the bid round but played an integral role from the very outset, contributing to the development of regulations and guiding the bid process.

It added that this level of engagement and procedural rigour underscores a commitment to fostering a fair and competitive bidding environment in the Nigerian oil sector.

The statement added, “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 article is nothing more than a fabricated narrative aimed at defaming the leadership of the Commission. Its reliance on anonymous sources undermines the credibility of the claims made, raising serious doubts about the journalistic integrity of the piece.”

The Commission stated 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.

“It is essential for media outlets to uphold rigorous standards of accuracy, especially when discussing matters of significant public interest and economic importance.

“The baseless claims made in the aforementioned article serve only to mislead and create unnecessary controversy, detracting from the progress being achieved within the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

“Regardless of the mischievous motives of those behind the smear campaigns, 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,” it added.

Ends

Underhand Dealings Claims In Oil Blocks Licensing Bid Round, False, Malicious—NUPRC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper