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| Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Engineer Bayo Ojulari |
NNPC Limited on Saturday defended its leadership and production record after recent criticism over its role in the Nigerian oil licensing round.
In a press statement, the company said it continues to record steady growth in national crude oil and gas output, describing the trend as evidence of its transformation into a fully commercial, globally competitive energy company.
The statement, signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Limited, was issued in response to media commentary attributed to the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) that questioned the performance of NNPC’s leadership under Group Chief Executive Engineer Bayo Ojulari in relation to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) recently concluded licensing round.
NNPC said it welcomes scrutiny of its operations, noting that transparency and accountability are central to the company’s stated values. However, the company added, specific claims made by the OGPF require correction and clarification.
The statement among other things, emphasized that observed production gains demonstrate the company’s ongoing progress. NNPC also reiterated its commitment to operating on commercial principles and competing effectively in global energy markets.
Below is full text of the statement:
“NNPC Limited continues to record steady growth in national crude oil and gas production, reinforcing the Company’s transformation into a fully commercial, globally competitive energy company, the company said in a press statement.
“Against this backdrop of demonstrable progress, the Company has noted recent media commentary, credited to the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF), questioning the performance of the Company’s leadership under Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, in connection with the recently concluded oil licensing round conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“While NNPC Limited welcomes scrutiny of its operations and performance, consistent with the transparency and accountability the Company holds itself to, it is important to set the record straight on the specific claims raised.”
On the Licensing Round
“Under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the conduct of oil licensing rounds and the allocation of oil blocks fall squarely within the statutory mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). NNPC Limited, since its incorporation, has operated strictly as a commercial entity and holds no regulatory or allocative authority.”
On Crude Oil Production
“Publicly available data reflects a clear and sustained improvement in crude oil output 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 mbpdinclusive of condensate, by April 2026. This is an increase of approximately 80 thousand barrels per day which represents 6% growth. These figures are documented in NNPC Limited’s Monthly Performance Report, which is available to the public.”
On Gas Production
“The Company’s gas production has recorded similar growth. As of April 2025, gas production averaged 7,354 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).
“By April 2026, this had risen to 7,729 mmscfd, which represents a 5% growth, an indicator of expanding gas output in support of Nigeria’s domestic energy security and export commitments. Again, these figures are documented in the publicly available NNPC Limited’s Monthly Performance Report.
“NNPC Limited remains committed to operating with transparency and will continue to engage openly on matters concerning the Company’s performance and operations. The Company also reserves the right to take necessary steps to protect its reputation and that of its leadership against publication of false or unsubstantiated claims.
“We encourageindustry commentators, analysts, and professional associations to verify information through the appropriate regulatory and corporate channels before publication. This will help ensure that public commentary is factual, balanced, and contributes constructively to informed discourse on the Nigerian energy sector.
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