Mathew Amaechi
Stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have issued a warning to the federal government, stating that the exclusion of their companies from ownership of oil blocs may lead to renewed unrest and militancy in the region.This warning comes after the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) allegedly excluded Niger Delta indigenous companies from the 2022/23 mini-bid round and licensing of oil blocs.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the NUPRC’s disregard for the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, Local Content Laws, and the 1999 Constitution.
They alleged that the commission’s actions were “unlawful” and “systematically” excluded Niger Delta indigenous investors from the licensing process.
The stakeholders, including Undiandeye Akonfe, James Okeati, and Chief Victor Okiri, among others, are appealing to President Tinubu to set up a committee to investigate the financial flows linked to data sales and the criteria used for disqualifications. They also urged the president to re-evaluate disqualified bids with transparent and equitable criteria, ensuring fair treatment of all participants, especially Niger Delta companies.
The exclusion of Niger Delta companies from oil bloc ownership has been a long-standing issue, with many stakeholders arguing that it perpetuates inequality and undermines the region’s economic development. The stakeholders’ warning of unrest and militancy highlights the urgent need for the federal government to address these concerns and promote a more inclusive and equitable allocation of oil blocs.
The Niger Delta region is home to significant oil reserves, and the exclusion of local companies from ownership and control of these resources has led to widespread discontent and unrest in the past.
The federal government’s response to these concerns will be crucial in determining the future of the region’s oil industry and the livelihoods of its people.
