NNPC says licensing round falls under NUPRC, reports production growth under Ojulari

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., NNPC Ltd., says the recently concluded oil licensing round falls within the statutory mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.

The company made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh.

The clarification followed recent media reports which was attributed to the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum, OGPF, questioning the performance of NNPC Ltd.’s management under its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, particularly on the licensing round.

Mr Odeh said under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the conduct of oil licensing rounds and allocation of oil blocks were the statutory responsibilities of NUPRC.

He said the NNPC Ltd., since its incorporation, had operated strictly as a commercial entity and did not possess regulatory or allocative powers, while its crude oil production had recorded sustained growth under the current leadership.

“As of April 2025, average crude oil production stood at 1.60 million barrels per day (mbpd) inclusive of condensate.

“Output rose through the second half of 2025 and stabilised at 1.67 mbpd inclusive of condensate, by April 2026.

“This is an increase of approximately 80 thousand barrels per day which represents 6 per cent growth.

“These figures are documented in NNPC Limited’s Monthly Performance Report, which is available to the public.
On Gas Production.

“Gas production output increased from an average of 7,354 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) in April 2025 to 7,729 mmscfd in April 2026, representing five per cent growth,” he said.

He added that it reflected expanding gas production to support domestic energy security and export commitments.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to transparency and open engagement on matters concerning its operations and performance.

Mr Odeh urged industry analysts and professional associations to verify information through appropriate channels before publication.

He said that NNPC Ltd. reserved the right to take necessary steps to protect its reputation and that of its leadership against false or unsubstantiated claims.

“Such verification will help ensure that public commentary remains factual, balanced and constructive to informed discourse on Nigeria’s energy sector,” the statement quoted Odeh as saying.
NAN