By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — A group of Niger Delta indigenes has given the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) a seven-day ultimatum to reverse the 2024 licensing and 2022/23 Mini Bid Round for oil blocs in the region.

The group claims the process was discriminatory and violated the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the commission’s guiding framework.

In a letter addressed to NUPRC Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, counsel for the aggrieved parties, Blessing Agbomhere, of Blessing Agbomhere and Partners, demanded a fresh bidding process adhering to principles of fairness, equity, and inclusivity. Failure to comply, they warned, would lead to legal action.

Grievances Highlighted: The process allegedly excluded Niger Delta stakeholders despite their substantial contributions, environmental sacrifices, and statutory rights under the PIA.

Concerns were raised over transparency, regulatory compliance, and the economic viability of the licensing round, which was delayed by two years.

Allocating oil blocs to companies with no ties to the Niger Delta was deemed a violation of constitutional provisions, the PIA, and the Nigerian Content Development Act.

Demands:

Fresh Bidding Process: The group seeks a new, transparent process that includes stakeholders from the Niger Delta.

Court Intervention: A request for the judiciary to declare the allocations unlawful and prevent the Minister of Petroleum Resources from consenting to the current allocations.

The letter warned that excluding Niger Delta companies from benefiting from their region’s resources could reignite agitation and conflict, undermining years of peace-building efforts.

The signatories, described as “Critical Stakeholders,” include Undiandeye Akonfe, James Okeati, Chief Victor Akposeseye Okiri, Fortune Nakoro, Arc. Kenneth Anyanwu, Okwara Idika, Akpan Edem, Otetubi Tolulope, and Olali Solomon.

The group emphasized the need for fairness and inclusivity to sustain peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta region.