NNPC Hits Back at Critics, Says Crude Oil Output Rose 6%, Gas Production 5% Under Ojulari
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has dismissed recent criticisms of the performance of its leadership under Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, declaring that the company has recorded sustained growth in crude oil and gas production despite questions surrounding the recently concluded oil licensing round.
In a statement issued by NNPC Ltd. and signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, in Abuja on August 8, 2026, the company said recent media commentary attributed to the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) contained claims about its performance that required clarification.
The company said it welcomed scrutiny of its operations but insisted that commentary on its performance should be based on verified information and the respective statutory responsibilities of institutions within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
NNPC: Licensing rounds are NUPRC’s responsibility
Addressing the controversy over the recently concluded licensing round, NNPC Ltd. clarified that the responsibility for conducting oil licensing rounds and allocating oil blocks rests with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
According to the company, NNPC Ltd. has operated strictly as a commercial entity since its incorporation and does not possess regulatory or oil-block allocation powers.
“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),” the company said.
NNPC Ltd. therefore maintained that its leadership should not be assessed on responsibilities that fall within the statutory mandate of the upstream regulator.
Crude production rises to 1.67mbpd
The national oil company said available production data showed a sustained improvement in crude oil output under the current leadership.
It disclosed that average crude oil production stood at 1.60 million barrels per day (mbpd), inclusive of condensate, in April 2025, before rising during the second half of the year and reaching 1.67mbpd by April 2026.
The company said the increase represented approximately 80,000 barrels per day, or 6 per cent growth within the period.
NNPC Ltd. said the figures were contained in its publicly available Monthly Performance Report.
Gas output records 5% growth
The company also reported a rise in gas production, saying average output increased from 7,354 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) in April 2025 to 7,729mmscfd by April 2026.
That represents a 5 per cent increase, which NNPC Ltd. said demonstrated expanding gas production in support of Nigeria’s domestic energy security and export commitments.
“NNPC Limited continues to record steady growth in national crude oil and gas production, reinforcing the Company’s transformation into a fully commercial, globally competitive energy company,” the statement said.
The company said the gas production figures were also documented in its Monthly Performance Report available to the public.
NNPC urges critics to verify claims
NNPC Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, saying it would continue to engage openly on issues concerning its operations and performance.
However, the company warned that it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its reputation and that of its leadership against what it described as false or unsubstantiated claims.
It urged industry commentators, analysts and professional associations to verify information through appropriate regulatory and corporate channels before making public statements.
“This will help ensure that public commentary is factual, balanced, and contributes constructively to informed discourse on the Nigerian energy sector,” NNPC Ltd. stated.
The development comes amid heightened industry attention to Nigeria’s crude oil production performance and the recently concluded upstream licensing process, with NNPC Ltd. insisting that its commercial role should be clearly distinguished from the regulatory functions of NUPRC.
