Business

NNPCL secures N318bn to fund new oil exploration

Published

6 months ago

September 25, 2025

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has received N318.05bn between January and August 2025 for frontier oil exploration, findings by The PUNCH have shown.

This is according to documents from the September 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting obtained by The PUNCH.

The deductions represent 30 per cent of Production Sharing Contract profits, which are automatically set aside each month for exploration in inland basins.

The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 created the Frontier Exploration Fund, which mandates that 30 per cent of profits from NNPC’s Production Sharing Contracts be channelled into oil search across under-explored basins, including Anambra, Bida, Dahomey, Sokoto, Chad and Benue.

Regulations also require the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to manage the fund through an escrow account and issue an annual Frontier Basin Exploration and Development Plan.

Further findings by The PUNCH showed that the NUPRC in July 2025 unveiled a Frontier Basin Exploration and Development Plan detailing proposed seismic surveys, stress-field detection, data integration, and wildcat drilling across basins in Benin Dahomey, Anambra, Bida, Sokoto, Chad, and Benue.

The plan outlined work such as logging and testing of the Eba-1 well in the Dahomey basin, drilling of a new wildcat in Bida, reappraisal of Wadi wells in Chad, and reassignment of Ebeni-1 drilling in Benue.

Signed by the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, the document stated that the outcome of these activities would determine further de-risking of assets and exploratory drilling in line with statutory requirements.

Analysis of the FAAC documents by The PUNCH further showed that PSC profits so far this year amounted to N1.06tn, below the budgeted N1.58tn, creating a shortfall of N518.76bn.

Despite this gap, the statutory 30 per cent deduction for frontier exploration was consistently applied, month after month, producing an accumulated N318.05bn by August.

The monthly trend reveals the volatility of the fund. In January, N31.77bn was deducted into the frontier line, when PSC profits came in at N105.91bn.

The February deduction rose to N38.30bn from a profit of N127.67bn, representing a 20.6 per cent increase on the January inflow.

March provided the first big surge, with N61.49bn allocated to frontier exploration from profits of N204.96bn, a jump of 60.5 per cent on February’s figure.

April, however, saw deductions ease back to N36.58bn as profits slid to N121.93bn, a 40.5 per cent drop compared with March.

In May, the fund received N38.8bn, only slightly higher than April’s contribution, reflecting profit of N129.33bn.

June delivered the lowest allocation so far this year, just N6.83bn, after profits collapsed to N22.77bn. That represented an 82.4 per cent fall from May.

The flow recovered somewhat in July, with N25.34bn transferred into the fund from profits of N84.48bn.

In August, the line shot up again to its highest level so far this year. With PSC profit surging to N263.13bn, the fund received N78.94bn, more than three times the July amount and twelve times June’s contribution.

Across the eight months, the monthly allocations to the frontier fund varied sharply, from as little as N6.83bn in June to as much as N78.94bn in August.

Yet by the end of the period, the automatic deductions had steadily accumulated N318.05bn into NNPCL’s control for exploration in new oil basins.

The same 30 per cent rule also applied to NNPCL’s management fees, which mirrored the frontier deductions exactly.

In January, NNPCL booked N31.77bn; in February, N38.30bn; in March, N61.49bn; in April, N36.58bn; in May, N38.8bn; in June, N6.83bn; in July, N25.34bn; and in August, N78.94bn.

This brought the company’s management fees to N318.05bn in the first eight months of the year.

Based on the figures, the oil firm got a total of N636.1bn for frontier exploration and management fees.

The PUNCH further observed that the Federation Account, entitled to 40 per cent of PSC profits, also experienced the same volatility.

It received N42.364bn in January and N51.067bn in February. March brought N81.985bn, the strongest inflow of the first quarter.

April saw a fall to N48.772bn, followed by N51.730bn in May. June gave the lowest figure of the year at N9.110bn.

In July, receipts rose again to N33.792bn, before climbing steeply to N105.250bn in August, the largest monthly payout so far.

Year-to-date, the Federation Account has received N424.071bn from PSC profits, still well behind the budgeted N631.573bn, leaving a shortfall of N207.502bn.

The FAAC documents confirmed that while PSC profits generated just over N1.06tn this year, the deductions left the Federation Account with significantly less to share among the three tiers of government.

The pressure has been compounded by the non-performance of NNPCL’s interim dividend line.

Budgeted at N271.184bn per month, or N2.169tn year-to-date, the company has not remitted any amount so far, leaving a gaping hole in the federation’s revenue plan.

The issue has prompted closer scrutiny. The FAAC documents record that a special subcommittee was set up to examine the 30 per cent frontier deductions.

The committee met with NNPCL, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

At the meeting, NNPCL presented details of exploration activities carried out in all the inland basins from 1999 to date and outlined its intended activities for 2025.

Committee members, however, demanded greater transparency, insisting that NNPCL provide detailed financial records of projects undertaken before and after the Petroleum Industry Act was passed.

The company was directed to submit the information by September 19, 2025, but the documents noted that the assignment was still “work in progress.”

The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, earlier said Nigeria had lost nearly 60 per cent of its gross oil revenue to deductions under the Petroleum Industry Act 2022, which allocates 30 per cent to the NNPCL as management fees and another 30 per cent to the Frontier Exploration Fund.

He made this statement at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, organised by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to review progress and challenges in implementing the extended 2024 capital budget and the 2025 capital budget under the Bottom-Up Cash Planning Policy.

“Once the Act came into effect without new revenue sources to replace the loss, we lost a sizable part of what used to fund 80 per cent of public expenditure,” Yakubu said.

He added that oil revenues had performed even worse in the first half of 2025 due to low prices and output shortfalls.

Yakubu said he had begun moves in the National Assembly to amend the PIA to recover part of the lost revenue.

During the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja last month, President Bola Tinubu directed a review of deductions and revenue retention practices by Nigeria’s major revenue-generating agencies.

The move aims to boost public savings, enhance spending efficiency, and unlock resources for growth.

The agencies include the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Tinubu specifically called for a reassessment of NNPC’s 30 per cent management fee and 30 per cent frontier exploration deduction under the Petroleum Industry Act.

He tasked the Economic Management Team, chaired by Edun, to present actionable recommendations to the FEC on the optimal way forward.

The President said the directive was part of efforts to sustain reforms that have dismantled economic distortions, restored policy credibility, enhanced resilience, and bolstered investor confidence.

However, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, as well as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, rejected the Federal Government’s plans to divest significant stakes in Joint Venture assets managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The two unions warned that the move to allegedly amend the Petroleum Industry Act and remove the running of oil and gas from the NNPCL could endanger the country’s economic stability, weaken its oil industry, and jeopardise the welfare of workers.

They stated that the policies are dangerous and capable of bankrupting the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The oil workers urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the plan.

Experts seek deductions

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of AHA Strategies, who is an oil and gas expert, Mr Ademola Adigun, has faulted the 30 per cent allocation of Production Sharing Contract profits to frontier oil exploration, describing it as “unrealistic and too high.”

Reacting to revelations that NNPCL received N318.05bn for frontier exploration in just eight months without paying dividends to the Federation Account, Adigun said the current arrangement was not justifiable under prevailing economic conditions.

“The money allocation is unrealistic, too high. It is not well used now,” he stated.

He backed President Bola Tinubu’s call for a review of deductions by major revenue agencies, including NNPCL, insisting that more revenue should flow into the Federation Account. “I don’t think it’s worth it to continue this way,” Adigun added.

The industry expert recommended that the frontier allocation be cut drastically, proposing that it should not exceed 10 per cent.

“Maximum of 10 per cent is what I would suggest,” he said.

However, an energy law scholar at the University of Lagos, Professor Dayo Ayoade, has cautioned against a hasty amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that the law took nearly two decades of negotiations and compromises before it was passed.

Reacting to the revelations on frontier deductions, he said, “It took us 19 years of reform to agree on the PIA, and the PIA is actually a delicate balance of a lot of compromises. The Frontier Exploration Fund, in many ways, was like a counterbalance to the Host Community Trust Fund.”

While acknowledging Nigeria’s urgent revenue needs, Ayoade insisted that NNPCL must give a detailed account of the money it has collected for frontier exploration.

“It was one of the biggest problems I had with the PIA because I knew that 30 per cent of PSC profits going into just exploration was too high. I would rather that exploration be liberalised and put in the hands of the private sector,” he explained.

He suggested that private investors willing to take the risk of exploring frontier basins should be offered strong tax and operational incentives, instead of government using public funds through NNPCL.

“There should not be any NNPCL spending government money on this project,” Ayoade added.

The scholar also warned that the current funding model posed risks to fiscal federalism and undermined NNPCL’s commercial credibility.

“The funding structure is not really sustainable, and that is the truth. NNPCL is not really a commercial company. All it does is act as a middleman for government and collect money it has not really earned,” he argued, adding that the company should be judged by profits generated from its own fields and operations rather than from joint ventures or production sharing arrangements.

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Business

Bank recapitalisation: Local investors provide 72% of N4.6tn

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday said domestic investors accounted for the bulk of funds raised under its banking sector recapitalisation programme, contributing 72.55 per cent of the N4.65tn total capital secured by lenders.

The apex bank disclosed this in a statement marking the conclusion of the exercise, which began in March 2024 and saw 33 banks meet the new minimum capital requirements.

The statement was jointly signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Olubukola Akinwunmi, and the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali.

According to the CBN, Nigerian investors provided about N3.37tn of the total capital raised, underscoring strong domestic confidence in the banking sector, while foreign investors accounted for the remaining 27.45 per cent.

“Over the 24-month period, Nigerian banks raised a total of N4.65tn in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy,” the statement said.

Commenting on the outcome, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said, “The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks.”

The bank confirmed that 33 lenders had met the revised capital thresholds, while a few others were still undergoing regulatory and judicial processes.

“The CBN confirms that 33 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the programme,” it stated.

“A limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks.

“All banks remain fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers.”

The regulator stressed that the recapitalisation exercise was completed without disrupting banking operations nationwide, noting that key prudential indicators, particularly capital adequacy ratios, had improved and remained above global Basel benchmarks.

Minimum capital adequacy ratios were pegged at 10 per cent for regional and national banks and 15 per cent for banks with international licences.

The CBN added that the exercise coincided with a gradual exit from regulatory forbearance, a move it said improved asset quality, strengthened balance sheet transparency, and enhanced overall system stability.

To sustain the gains, the apex bank said it had strengthened its risk-based supervision framework, including periodic stress tests and requirements for adequate capital buffers.

It added that supervisory and prudential guidelines would be reviewed regularly to improve governance, risk management, and resilience across the sector.

“The successful completion of the programme establishes a stronger and more resilient banking system, better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and withstand domestic and global shocks,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that foreign capital inflows into the banking sector rose by 93.25 per cent year-on-year to $13.53bn in 2025 from $7.00bn in 2024, reflecting strong investor interest during the recapitalisation drive.

However, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has cautioned that despite the strengthened banking system, credit to small businesses remains weak, warning that the benefits of the reforms are yet to fully impact the real economy.

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Business

Court freezes N448m assets in Keystone Bank debt recovery suit

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of funds and assets valued at N448,263,172.41 in a debt recovery suit instituted by Keystone Bank Limited against five defendants.

The order was made on March 26, 2026, by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke following an ex parte application moved by Keystone Bank’s counsel Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), against Relic Resources, Olufunmilayo Emmanuella Alabi, Uwadiale Donald Agenmonmen, The Magnificent Multi Services Limited, and Raedial Farms Limited.

In his ruling, Justice Aneke granted a Mareva injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or assigns, from withdrawing, transferring, dissipating, or otherwise dealing with funds, shares, dividends, and other financial instruments standing to their credit in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria, up to the sum in dispute.

The court further directed all banks and financial institutions within the jurisdiction to forthwith preserve any funds belonging to the defendants upon being served with the order.

The said institutions were also ordered to depose to affidavits within seven days of service, disclosing the balances in all accounts maintained by the defendants, together with the relevant statements of account.

In addition, the court granted a preservative order restraining the defendants from disposing of, alienating, or otherwise encumbering any movable or immovable property, including any future or contingent interests, up to the value of the alleged indebtedness.

The court also granted leave for substituted service of the originating and other court processes on the second and third defendants by courier delivery to their last known addresses.

The matter was adjourned to April 9, 2026, for mention.

According to the originating processes before the court, the suit arises from a N500 million overdraft facility granted by the claimant to the first defendant on March 28, 2023, for a tenure of 365 days at an interest rate of 32 per cent per annum.

The claimant averred that the facility, initially secured by a $200,000 cash collateral and subsequently by a mortgaged property located at Itunu City, Epe, Lagos, expired on March 27, 2024, leaving an outstanding indebtedness of N448,263,172.41 as at October 31, 2024.

In the affidavit in support of the application, the claimant alleged that the facility was diverted for personal use by the third defendant and channelled through the fourth and fifth defendant companies.

It further contended that the first defendant is no longer a going concern and has failed, refused, and neglected to liquidate the outstanding indebtedness despite several demands made between May and October 2025.

The claimant also expressed apprehension that the defendants may dissipate or conceal their assets, thereby rendering nugatory any judgment that may be obtained in the suit, and consequently urged the court to grant the reliefs sought in the interest of justice.

After considering the application and submissions of learned silk, Justice Aneke granted all the reliefs sought and adjourned the matter to April 9, 2026, for further proceedings.

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Business

Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos 2026 economic blueprint, vows inclusive growth

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

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The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday unveiled the 2026 edition of the Lagos Economic Development Update, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible benefits for all residents of the state.

The unveiling of this year’s outlook, held in Ikeja, provides an in-depth analysis of the state’s economic trajectory, capturing global, national, and local developments shaping Lagos’ growth outlook.

Represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the governor described the report as more than a policy document, noting that it serves as a strategic compass for guiding economic direction and strengthening decision-making.

He added that despite global economic headwinds — including post-pandemic recovery challenges, inflationary pressures, and exchange rate fluctuations — the state has remained resilient through deliberate policies, fiscal discipline, and sustained investment in critical infrastructure.

“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and optimism that I join you today to officially launch the third edition of the Lagos Economic Development Update — LEDU 2026.

“This platform has evolved beyond a mere policy document; it has become a compass guiding our economic direction, shaping decisions, and reinforcing our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos,” he said.

He noted that while the global economic environment has remained unpredictable, Lagos has stayed on course through “clarity, discipline, and foresight,” anchored on the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

According to him, the state had strengthened its fiscal framework, improved revenue generation, and invested in infrastructure critical to long-term growth.

Sanwo-Olu further highlighted progress recorded since the inception of LEDU, including the expansion of the state’s economic base driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalisation; improved efficiency in revenue systems; and sustained infrastructure development spanning roads, ports, energy, and urban planning.

He added that continued investment in human capital remains central, as “people are the true engine of growth.”

Speaking on the theme of this year’s report, “Consolidating Resilience, Advancing Competitiveness, Delivering Shared Prosperity,” the governor said it reflects Lagos’ current economic priorities.

He explained that consolidating resilience involves strengthening institutions and fiscal discipline, while advancing competitiveness requires boosting productivity, innovation, and investment.

Delivering shared prosperity, he added, means ensuring growth translates into jobs, expanded opportunities, and improved livelihoods for residents.

Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to economic diversification, private sector-led growth, data-driven governance, sustainable urban development, and social inclusion.

He also stressed the importance of partnerships with the private sector, development institutions, civil society, and the international community in achieving the state’s development goals.

“As we launch this edition of LEDU, I urge all stakeholders to engage actively, strengthen collaboration, and align with our shared vision.

“We have built resilience; now we must translate it into sustained competitiveness and ensure that growth delivers tangible prosperity for every Lagosian,” he said.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said Lagos has demonstrated remarkable resilience in navigating both global and domestic economic challenges.

“Lagos is not just responding to economic shocks — we are building systems that make us stronger because of them,” he said, noting that deliberate policies, disciplined fiscal management, and strategic investments have reinforced the state’s position as a leading subnational economy in Africa.

He added that the state would continue to prioritise economic diversification, private sector growth, sustainable urban development, and social inclusion, stressing that growth must be measured not only by numbers but also by its impact on people’s lives.

In his goodwill message, Chief Consultant at B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Biodun Adedipe, described the LEDU initiative as a credible framework for tracking economic performance and refining development strategies.

He noted that Lagos remains central to Nigeria’s economy, adding that its continued growth signals broader national progress.

“If Lagos works, a significant share of Nigeria’s commerce works,” he said, expressing optimism about the state’s economic future.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Tayo Adeloju, urged the state government to prioritise affordable housing as a critical driver of shared prosperity.

He noted that high housing costs could limit upward mobility for low-income earners, stressing that making housing more accessible would enhance living standards and support inclusive growth.

Adeloju added that sustained fiscal discipline, improved service delivery, and a broader productive base would further strengthen Lagos’ position among Africa’s leading megacity economies.

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