NNPCL insiders deny Bayo Ojulari's involvement in oil block licensing

Industry insiders have denied allegations that Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was involved in the awarding of oil blocks or marginal fields. The denials follow claims made by the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) suggesting a company linked to Ojulari’s wife benefited from a marginal oil field award.

Sources state that Ojulari lacks the statutory authority to allocate oil blocks or issue petroleum licenses under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). According to the legal framework, upstream licensing is administered by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), while the authority to grant Petroleum Prospecting Licences rests with the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Insiders characterized the allegations as “deliberately false, malicious and legally unsustainable,” suggesting they are part of a coordinated campaign by interests opposed to NNPCL reforms. These interests are allegedly attempting to discredit Ojulari due to his implementation of transparency drives, tighter financial controls, and cost-reduction measures.