NNPC Limited has replied its critics, stating that it has continued to record steady growth in national crude oil and gas production, reinforcing its transformation into a full commercial, globally competitive energy company.
This was contained in a press release, on Saturday, by the national oil company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh.
Given the demonstrable progress, the company decried a 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, Bayo Ojulari.
NNPC and its critics
The reported media commentary was in connection with the recently concluded oil licensing round conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
NNPC Limited stated in the release that it welcomed scrutiny of its operations and performance, consistent with the transparency and accountability it holds itself to.
The company however noted that it was important to set the record straight on the specific claims raised in the media commentary.
It specifically stated its position on the licensing round outcomes and production performance.
On The Licensing Round
It stated that, 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,” it was stated in the release.
On Crude Oil Production
The company asserted that publicly-available data reflected 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 mbpd inclusive of condensate, by April 2026.
“This is an increase of approximately 80,000 barrels per day, which represents six per cent growth.
“These figures are documented in NNPC Limited’s Monthly Performance Report, which is available to the public,” it added.
On Gas Production
The national oil company further claimed that its 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 five per cent 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,” it stated.
The company restated its commitment to operating with transparency, assuring that it will continue to engage openly on matters concerning its performance and operations.
It however declared that it also reserved the right to take necessary steps to protect its reputation and that of its leadership against publication of false or unsubstantiated claims.
“We encourage industry 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,” it was added in the release.
