# NNPCL response to oil licensing allegations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nnpcl-response-to-oil-licensing-allegations
> Updated: 2026-08-17T03:48:19.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has responded to allegations of impropriety regarding the recent allocation of oil blocks. Following demands from the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF), led by Ayodele Momoh, for the removal of NNPCL Group CEO Bayo Ojulari and NUPRC Chief Executive Meyiwa Eyesan, the company defended its leadership against claims of insider influence used to secure favorable blocks for associates.

The OGPF alleged that Ojulari used influence to benefit associates, including a company linked to one of his wives, during a licensing round where 37 blocks were awarded to 31 companies. In response, NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh clarified that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, the NNPCL functions strictly as a commercial entity and lacks the regulatory authority to conduct licensing rounds or allocate oil blocks; that responsibility resides with the NUPRC, while the authority to grant Petroleum Prospecting Licences rests with the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Industry insiders have characterized the allegations as ‘deliberately false, malicious and legally unsustainable,’ suggesting they are a coordinated campaign by interests opposed to NNPCL reforms, such as transparency drives and cost-reduction measures. NNPCL noted it reserves the right to take action to protect its reputation against unsubstantiated claims.

Alongside these disputes, NNPCL reported production growth. Average crude oil production, including condensate, rose 6% to 1.67 million barrels per day in April 2026 compared to 1.60 million barrels per day in April 2025. Gas production also increased by 5%, rising to 7,729 mmscfd.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: NNPCL insiders deny Bayo Ojulari's involvement in oil block licensing

NNPCL insiders have denied allegations that CEO Bayo Ojulari influenced oil block awards, citing legal frameworks that vest licensing authority in the NUPRC and the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nnpcl-insiders-deny-bayo-ojularis-involvement-in-oil-block-licensing

### 2026-08-09: NNPCL defends executives amid allegations of improper oil block awards

NNPCL has defended its CEO and the NUPRC chief against allegations from the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum regarding improper oil block allocations and sector underperformance.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nnpcl-defends-executives-amid-allegations-of-improper-oil-block-awards

### 2026-08-08: NNPC clarifies licensing authority and reports production growth

NNPC Ltd clarified that oil licensing and block allocation are the statutory mandate of the NUPRC, not the company, while reporting a 6% growth in crude oil production through April 2026.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nnpc-clarifies-licensing-authority-and-reports-production-growth

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Cite as: NNPCL response to oil licensing allegations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nnpcl-response-to-oil-licensing-allegations