NNPC Clarifies Role in Oil Licensing Round Amid Performance Queries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) has clarified its role in the recent oil licensing round. In a statement, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh said the company is not responsible for conducting licensing rounds or allocating oil blocks.

Odeh stated that under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, these responsibilities fall within the statutory mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The clarification came after media reports attributed to the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) questioned the performance of NNPC Ltd's management under Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari.

Odeh highlighted that the company has operated as a commercial entity since its incorporation, without regulatory or allocative powers. He also noted that crude oil production has seen sustained growth under current leadership, with average output rising from 1.60 million barrels per day (mbpd) in April 2025 to 1.67 mbpd by April 2026.

Odeh emphasized the company's commitment to transparency and open engagement on matters concerning its operations and performance. He urged industry analysts and professional associations to verify information through appropriate channels before publication, citing the need for factual commentary in discussions about Nigeria's energy sector.