NNPC Counters Criticism, Cites 6% Growth in Crude Production Under Ojulari

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has defended the performance of its management under Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, following recent criticism linked to the outcome of the recently concluded oil licensing round conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The company, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said recent media commentary attributed to the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF), questioning the performance of NNPC Ltd.’s leadership, required clarification.

NNPC Ltd. said the conduct of oil licensing rounds and the allocation of oil blocks are statutory responsibilities of the NUPRC under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The company stressed that since its incorporation, it has operated as a commercial entity and does not possess regulatory or allocative authority over oil blocks.

It also cited production figures as evidence of improvement in its operations under the current leadership, saying average crude oil production increased from 1.60 million barrels per day (mbpd), including condensate, in April 2025 to 1.67mbpd by April 2026.

According to the company, the increase of about 80,000 barrels per day represents approximately six per cent growth. It said the figures are contained in its publicly available Monthly Performance Report.

NNPC Ltd. also reported an increase in gas production from an average of 7,354 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) in April 2025 to 7,729mmscfd in April 2026, representing about five per cent growth.

The company said the increase in gas production supports Nigeria’s domestic energy security and its commitments to gas exports.

NNPC Ltd. said it welcomes scrutiny of its operations and performance but urged industry commentators, analysts and professional associations to verify information through appropriate regulatory and corporate channels before publication.

The company also warned that it reserves the right to take necessary steps to protect the reputation of the company and its leadership against what it described as false or unsubstantiated claims.

“NNPC Limited remains committed to operating with transparency and will continue to engage openly on matters concerning the Company’s performance and operations,” Odeh said in the statement issued in Abuja on August 8, 2026.