Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) has asked the federal government to launch an independent probe into the leadership and operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) over growing transparency concerns in the sector.

The call came amid renewed public debate over production performance, licensing procedures and contract awards in Nigeria’s oil industry. 

In a statement signed by its convener, Ayodele Momoh, on Saturday, the forum said the renewed agitation reflects deepening unease within the oil and gas industry over the pace of reform and the credibility of key decisions shaping the sector.

“Nigeria’s oil sector is facing renewed public scrutiny after allegations of policy underperformance, questionable transactions, and renewed contract controversies surrounding senior leadership at NNPC and the NUPRC. 

“Mele Kyari, formerly GCEO of NNPC, was removed from his position following claims that the administration under his watch suffered from non-performance, corruption/self-dealing allegations, and an inability to materially raise production beyond the widely cited benchmark of roughly 1.7 million barrels per day,” the group said.

It noted that about one and a half years after Mr Kyari’s successor, Bayo Ojulari, took over, the narrative had not improved as production remained below the same threshold amid concerns around non-performance and alleged ‘shady’ transactions.

The professionals insisted that the marginal fields licensing process deserves closer examination, particularly reports suggesting possible insider influence, uneven application of rules and overlaps in block allocations. 

“The process implicated Bayo Ojulari through allegations that allies and cronies secured favourable blocks, allegedly aided by insider knowledge and access associated with senior management influence connected to Ojulari’s personal network, including one of his wives, who is a top official at the NUPRC,” it added.

According to the group, any process involving national assets must be guided by strict transparency, documented criteria and equal access for all qualified participants.

It noted that similar calls had already been made in other quarters for a review of licensing exercises and a forensic look at bid-round conduct.

The group added, “Some of the blocks tied to the licensing outcome were reported to overlap with interests already held by people described as being close to the President’s inner circle. Therefore, we call for the removal of both Bayo Ojulari from his NNPC leadership role and Meyiwa Eyesan from her position at the NUPRC. 

“Leadership accountability should extend beyond earlier changes and toward current outcomes, especially to protect licensing integrity, contract award practices, and oil production delivery.”

The professionals insisted that it was in the public interest for the presidency and relevant oversight agencies to examine the issues objectively and ensure that any concerns around procurement, licensing and regulatory oversight are addressed transparently.

“Early allocations for specific OMLs — namely OML 64 and OML 98 — were connected to companies aligned with friends and allies of Ojulari, fueling additional speculation over whether personal networks are shaping contract decisions. 

“Throughout the growing controversy, Ojulari has reportedly maintained that his actions — across licensing and related decisions — were conducted with the knowledge of the President. 

“Public accountability requires more than assertions of political awareness, especially where outcomes appear to advantage particular networks,” the group said.