The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has described reports alleging underhand dealings in the allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 oil licensing bid round as false and malicious with an intent to malign the integrity of the Commission’s leadership.
Chairman 2024 Bid Round Committee
NUPRC, Bashiru Indabawa, insisted that with the use of digital technology, the first in the nearly 70 years history of the NUPRC, the 2024 bid round was not only devoid of human interference, there was no room for any form of manipulation.
Indabawa who doubles as Executive Commissioner in charge of Exploration and Acreage Management in NUPRC, said the selection process for the 2024 oil bid round was a comprehensive and inclusive event with its outcome televised live and attended by all the stakeholders.
He said: “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.”
Indabawa who notes that the anonymous reporter was obviously on a “blackmailing” mission, said if the facts were correct, at least one of the more than 14 alleged informants and so-called experts and groups cited in the report would have been properly identified.
“The storytelling style felt more like a targeted opinion than a legitimate news report. The publication referred to a vague collection of contributors, such as multiple sources familiar with the matter, insiders, a senior NUPRC official who spoke anonymously, etc. Other phrases included analysts arguing, sources familiar with Komolafe’s operation, and many others who provided opinions without being named.
“This wholesale reliance on anonymity raises critical questions: What were these sources claiming? What were they disclosing or discussing in a matter that was not in the public domain. If the story is a unique revelation based on careful investigation, as claimed, then the lack of identifiable sources undermines its credibility. This approach suggests a bias and a possible agenda behind the article, indicating that the publication may have been more focused on attacking a subject than delivering a fair and factual report.
“Furthermore, the article provides no conclusions regarding the alleged cases involving the EFCC, ICPC or the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court. The publication’s consistent omission of the outcomes of the various investigations and adjudications raised in the concocted article suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead the audience and bolster the impact of its unfounded claims.
“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 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.”
