Transparency Network in Nigeria (TNN) has come to the defence of Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), over allegations of bias and irregularities in the recently concluded 2024 oil block licensing round.
In a statement on Sunday, the country representative of TNN, Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, described the exercise as “the most transparent and technologically advanced in Nigeria’s oil and gas licensing history,” adding that any suggestion of human interference was both “unfounded and ignorant of the facts.”
Dr. Jibrin said the group had been monitoring Komolafe’s activities since his appointment Chief Executive of the commission, and found him consistent in delivering on the promises he made to the country.
“During his Senate screening, Mr. Komolafe made a commitment to the nation: to establish a 21st-century regulator and position NUPRC as the leading upstream regulatory body on the African continent,” Dr. Jibrin recalled.
“Today, that vision is not just alive—it has been achieved. Nigeria now ranks as having the best upstream regulator in Africa in terms of best practices, a feat acknowledged by stakeholders at several international energy summits.”
The group said the entire licensing process was executed in a manner that left no room for manipulation or favouritism. He noted that independent monitors were present during the entire process.
“Those peddling insinuations of bribery or backdoor dealings in this licensing round have clearly failed to grasp the rigorous, technology-driven framework that underpinned every stage of the process,” Dr. Jibrin said.
“The commercial bid evaluation was conducted using a transparent, digital, and point-based assessment system, which included the following parameters: Signature Bonus, Proposed Work Programme Financial Commitments, and Work Performance Security. A computer-based competitive bidding process was adopted, leveraging encryption and decryption technology to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
“This was televised live for full transparency, open to the public, and conducted in the presence of representatives from relevant entities such as the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and acknowledged by all as being transparent.
“Assertions of corrupt practices and insinuations of monetary exchanges reflect a lack of understanding, as the sophisticated digital process eliminated any possibility of human interference. With outcomes determined instantaneously and transparently in full public view, there was no conceivable need for inducements or undue influence.”
He also reiterated that the entire process was fully aligned with statutory requirements, adding that qualification was based solely on merit.
“The 2024 Licensing Round was conducted in strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Guidelines, ensuring a transparent, competitive, and technology-driven allocation process,” he said.
“The technical and financial capability of a bidding entity is not solely determined by the date of incorporation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) used for bidding. Instead, it is assessed based on the expertise, financial strength, and track record of the stakeholders, affiliated entities, or parent companies backing the SPV,” he explained.
According to TNN, the licensing round created equal opportunity for serious investors while maintaining high industry standards.
“In Nigeria’s 70-year history of oil exploration, this is the first time a bidding licensing round was done in an open and transparent manner, leveraging technology, thereby removing any form of human interference and making it devoid of corrupt practices.
“Komolafe and his team have done what no other regulatory team has accomplished in decades — they’ve restored public confidence in licensing. These kinds of allegations only distract from the reforms Nigerians have long demanded,” Dr. Jibrin concluded.
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