NNPC Fires Back at Critics, Defends Ojulari’s Record as Oil, Gas Output Rise

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has pushed back against criticisms of its leadership and operations, insisting that recent concerns over the country's oil licensing process were misplaced and based on a misunderstanding of its role within the petroleum industry.

The state-owned energy company also used the opportunity to highlight improvements in crude oil and gas production, arguing that its operational performance under the current management reflects steady progress rather than decline.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NNPC Ltd. said responsibility for conducting oil licensing rounds and allocating oil blocks does not lie with the company, but with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the statutory regulator established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The clarification came in response to public comments reportedly made by the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF), which questioned the performance of NNPC's management team led by Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, particularly regarding the recently concluded licensing round.

According to the company, criticisms linking the outcome of the exercise to NNPC Ltd. fail to recognise the clear separation of regulatory and commercial functions introduced by the Petroleum Industry Act.

NNPC stressed that since its transformation into a limited liability company, it has operated strictly as a commercial enterprise and does not possess authority to organise licensing rounds or allocate oil assets.

The company argued that assigning responsibility for those activities to NNPC Ltd. amounts to a misrepresentation of the legal framework governing Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Beyond addressing the licensing controversy, the company presented production figures which it said demonstrate positive operational momentum across its upstream business.

According to NNPC, Nigeria’s crude oil production, including condensates, rose from an average of 1.60 million barrels per day in April 2025 to 1.67 million barrels per day by April 2026.

The increase, representing roughly 80,000 additional barrels daily, reflects a six per cent growth over the period under review.

The company noted that production gains recorded in the second half of 2025 were sustained into 2026 despite challenges facing the global energy industry.

NNPC also reported growth in gas output, a key area of focus as Nigeria seeks to strengthen domestic energy supply while expanding exports.

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The company said average gas production increased from 7,354 million standard cubic feet per day in April 2025 to 7,729 million standard cubic feet per day by April 2026.

The rise, representing a five per cent increase, was attributed to ongoing efforts to boost gas development and support the country’s broader energy transition objectives.

Officials said the figures underscore NNPC’s commitment to enhancing production efficiency, improving energy security and meeting both local and international supply obligations.

The company maintained that the production data is publicly available through its monthly performance reports and can be independently verified.

NNPC further reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, saying it remains open to constructive scrutiny and engagement from stakeholders across the industry.

However, it cautioned industry groups, analysts and commentators against publishing claims without first verifying facts through official channels.

The company warned that inaccurate or misleading statements could distort public understanding of developments within the energy sector and unfairly damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.

NNPC added that it would not hesitate to take appropriate measures to defend its corporate image and leadership against allegations it considers false, misleading or unsupported by evidence.

The statement reflects a growing determination by the national oil company to defend its performance record amid increasing public debate over reforms, production targets and governance within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

As discussions continue over the future direction of the sector, NNPC insists that a clear distinction must be maintained between the responsibilities of regulators and those of commercial operators if public discourse is to remain informed, balanced and productive.