CSOs Urge Tinubu, National Assembly to Review NUPRC's 2025 Oil Licensing Exercise
Calls Grow for Review of Nigeria's 2025 Oil Licensing Process
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders in Nigeria's oil and gas industry has called on President Bola Tinubu and the House of Representatives to initiate an independent review of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission's (NUPRC) 2025 Oil Licensing Bid Round over allegations of irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.
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The coalition urged the Presidency, the National Assembly and relevant oversight institutions to commission a comprehensive forensic audit of the licensing process to determine whether the bid round complied fully with the commission's published guidelines. According to the group, an independent assessment would help reinforce confidence in Nigeria's regulatory institutions and reassure investors participating in the country's upstream oil and gas sector.
Stakeholders Seek Greater Transparency
The demand follows concerns previously raised by industry participants regarding aspects of the qualification and evaluation process used during the 2025 licensing round.
In a statement signed by the coalition's chairman, Dele Olasile, the group stressed that its concerns extend beyond the outcome of the bid round to the credibility of Nigeria's regulatory processes. It called for an impartial investigation to establish whether all participating companies were assessed under the same published criteria and whether the exercise was conducted in line with existing regulations.
The coalition also urged relevant anti-corruption and oversight agencies to independently examine the issues raised by participants and publish their findings in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Allegations Remain Unproven
The stakeholders referenced allegations relating to aspects of the administration of the licensing exercise and the roles of certain officials involved in the process. However, no findings of wrongdoing have been made, and the allegations have not been independently verified.
The coalition maintained that an independent review would provide clarity on the issues raised and strengthen confidence in future licensing exercises.
Investor Confidence at Stake
Industry analysts note that the controversy comes at a critical period as Nigeria seeks to attract fresh investment into its upstream petroleum sector and increase crude oil production.
Competitive licensing rounds are widely regarded as an important mechanism for attracting both domestic and international investment. Analysts argue that transparent and predictable regulatory processes are essential for maintaining investor confidence and supporting long-term capital inflows into the sector.
They also cautioned that prolonged uncertainty surrounding the licensing process could affect investor perceptions if concerns are not addressed promptly and transparently.
Outlook
The call for an independent review highlights the growing importance of transparency and regulatory certainty in Nigeria's energy sector. While the allegations remain unproven, stakeholders believe that a credible investigation and public disclosure of its findings would reinforce confidence in the country's petroleum licensing framework and support broader efforts to attract investment into the oil and gas industry.
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