Energy experts say NNPCL diverting attention from allegation GCEO Bayo Ojulari awarded oil blocks to wife, cronies
The Oil & Gas Professionals Forum has accused the NNPCL of diverting attention from allegations that CEO Bayo Ojulari improperly awarded oil blocks to his wife and associates. The NNPCL maintains that it lacks the regulatory authority to award such contracts.
Why it matters
It highlights concerns regarding corruption and governance within Nigeria's critical oil sector, impacting national economic transparency.
The forum alleged that Mr Ojulari’s cronies and friends, including one of his wives, secured favourable oil blocks through insider influence.
The Oil & Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) of issuing a misleading and diversionary response to concerns raised over the latest Marginal Field bid round and alleged underhand of the NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.
The allegation came after the OGPF called for the removal of Mr Ojulari and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Meyiwa Eyesa, over the continued underperformance of Nigeria’s oil sector, questionable transactions and contracts and controversies surrounding the award of oil blocks.
The NNPC, in its response, said under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the conduct of oil licensing rounds and the allocation of oil blocks fall squarely within the statutory mandate of the NUPRC.
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