By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it did not engage in underhanded dealings or bribery in the allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 oil licensing bid round.
On December 18, 2024, the NUPRC announced winners in the 2024 oil block licensing bid round.
In a statement by Bashari Indabawa, NUPRC’s chairman of the 2024 bid round committee, the authority said the process was characterised by a comprehensive and rigorous framework designed to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
“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 commission said.
According to the statement, the 2024 oil bid round followed a meticulous process, including 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 overseeing industry operations,” NUPRC said.
“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.”
The process, the commission added, 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,” NUPRC said.
“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.”
The commission 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.
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