Stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have issued a warning to the federal government, stating that the exclusion of their companies from the 2022/23 mini bid round and licensing of oil blocs by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) may lead to another round of unrest and militancy in the region. In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the affected Niger Deltans, through their lawyer, Blessing Agbomhere Esq, expressed their concerns over the alleged unlawful exclusion of their companies from the licensing process. They claimed that despite meeting the necessary requirements, they were unjustly disqualified through opaque processes.
Issues Raised by Niger Delta Stakeholders:
Unlawful Exclusion: The stakeholders alleged that the NUPRC excluded their companies from the licensing process despite meeting the necessary requirements.
Lack of Transparency: They claimed that the bidding process lacked transparency, with the NUPRC unilaterally altering the terms without prior notice or concessions to participants.
Discriminatory Practices: The stakeholders alleged that the NUPRC’s actions facilitated access to cheaper data and other advantages for certain preferred parties, unfairly disadvantaging original bidders who complied with stricter requirements.The stakeholders 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 requested that the president re-evaluate disqualified bids with transparent and equitable criteria, ensuring fair treatment of all participants, especially Niger Delta companies.
Consequences of Exclusion: The stakeholders warned that the exclusion of their companies from the licensing process may lead to another round of unrest and militancy in the region. They emphasized that achieving sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta region requires a commitment from all stakeholders, especially the federal government.
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