Ojulari did not award oil blocks, insiders say

Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), did not award or take part in awarding any oil block or marginal field. Industry insiders stated that claims linking him to the process are "deliberately false, malicious and legally unsustainable."

Sources emphasized that neither Ojulari nor NNPCL has the legal power to give out oil blocks or issue petroleum licenses in Nigeria.

According to the Petroleum Industry Act, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) oversees upstream licensing. The Minister of Petroleum Resources has the authority to grant a Petroleum Prospecting Licence. NUPRC's official guidance supports this.

As a result, the sources mentioned that any claim suggesting Ojulari awarded an oil block, influenced the allocation, or used his position for personal gain is not backed by evidence and goes against the law.

"This allegation collapses under the slightest scrutiny," a senior industry official said. "Ojulari did not conduct the bid process, evaluate applicants, select winners or award any oil block. He had absolutely no statutory role in the exercise. Those spreading this narrative know this, but they are deliberately misleading the public."

Some powerful groups, feeling threatened by NNPCL leadership's reform program, are said to be behind a campaign against Ojulari. Industry sources familiar with the situation reported this.

These sources claimed that individuals whose business interests have been disrupted by Ojulari’s push for transparency and tighter financial controls are supporting a group called the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF).

Recently, this group claimed that a company tied to Ojulari’s wife benefited from a marginal oil field award. However, they reportedly failed to provide any corporate documents, ownership records, licensing papers, or any credible evidence to prove such a connection.

Industry insiders called this allegation a calculated lie aimed at damaging Ojulari’s reputation. They said it is meant to undermine public trust in his leadership and create false reasons to oppose his continued stay in office.

"This is not an innocent misunderstanding of the licensing process," one source said. "It is a deliberate attempt to hold Ojulari responsible for an exercise over which he had no legal authority, no regulatory responsibility, and no decision-making power."

The attacks on Ojulari have gotten worse as NNPCL works to enhance transparency in business dealings and enforce financial discipline. Sources said some individuals and companies, who used to benefit from unclear transactions and weak controls, are fighting back because their interests are affected by the reforms.

According to the sources, the plan is to paint Ojulari as ethically compromised, weaken his authority, and distract NNPCL leadership from making necessary institutional changes.

No documentary proof of those behind the campaign was given to this newspaper.

Since taking office, Ojulari has been pushing reforms to make NNPCL a more efficient and competitive energy company. His leadership has focused on reducing costs, boosting production, promoting corporate governance, financial accountability, and improving transparency across the company’s operations.

He has also called for stricter discipline in contracts and investment choices, while aiming to cut waste, strengthen internal controls, and ensure that business arrangements benefit the company and Nigerians.

Industry stakeholders said these actions have challenged groups used to benefiting from questionable deals and lack of oversight.

NNPCL insiders dismissed the claims against Ojulari as baseless, mischievous and politically motivated. A senior company official, who asked to remain unnamed, said Ojulari has followed the necessary asset-declaration and Code of Conduct rules.

"The attempt to link his family to an oil block award is false and can easily be checked against official records," the official said.

"More importantly, the GCEO of NNPCL does not award oil blocks. NNPCL did not carry out the licensing exercise, and Ojulari neither selected nor approved any beneficiary. The allegation is therefore built on a false premise."

The official challenged those making these claims to provide verifiable evidence and take it to the proper investigative authorities, instead of spreading unsupported accusations through anonymous groups and social media.

NNPCL affirmed that it will not be intimidated or distracted from carrying out reforms aimed at boosting transparency, improving efficiency, and transforming the company into a successful national energy enterprise.