Public analyst Nelson Adanna has addressed recent concerns raised by Blessing Agbomhere, a member of the Labour Party, regarding the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Agbomhere, in an article published on an online news platform, questioned the fairness and inclusivity of the 2024 oil licensing and the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round for oil blocks in the Niger Delta region, calling for a reversal of the process.
Adanna, in his response, defended the NUPRC, emphasizing that the commission has consistently adhered to the principles of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the oil and gas industry. He reaffirmed that the NUPRC operates in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which governs the oil licensing and bidding processes in Nigeria.
The NUPRC’s operations are designed to ensure that all stakeholders, regardless of their political or geographical affiliations, are treated equitably, Adanna stated. He pointed out that the bidding process for the 2024 Licensing and the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round was carefully monitored by independent observers to ensure its credibility. He further emphasized that every eligible stakeholder, including those from the Niger Delta, was given an equal opportunity to participate in the process.
Adanna also highlighted the NUPRC’s efforts to encourage Indigenous participation in the bidding rounds, noting that several Indigenous Niger Delta companies successfully met the eligibility criteria and secured opportunities to contribute to the growth of the oil and gas sector.
While refuting claims of regional exclusion, Adanna explained that the NUPRC’s approach was designed to provide a level playing field for all stakeholders. The commission’s focus, he added, was on ensuring that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources benefit both the host communities in the Niger Delta and the broader Nigerian economy.
The NUPRC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth, Adanna explained, was reflected in the allocation process, which considered environmental and social factors in addition to technical expertise and financial capacity. The commission remains dedicated to a balanced approach to the sector’s development.
Adanna dismissed calls for a new bidding round, stating that the process had already been subjected to independent audits, which confirmed its fairness and adherence to legal and regulatory standards. “Repeating the process would create unnecessary regulatory instability and potentially discourage future investment in the sector,” he added.
In conclusion, Adanna reiterated the NUPRC’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, calling for constructive dialogue among all stakeholders to address any concerns. He emphasized that the NUPRC values the contributions of the Niger Delta and aims to ensure that the oil and gas sector serves the interests of all Nigerians.