Bayo Ojulari, in connection with the recently concluded oil licensing round conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Output rose steadily through the second half of 2025 before stabilising at the April 2026 figure, NNPC said. NNPC described the growth as an “indicator of expanding gas output in support of Nigeria’s domestic energy security and export commitments.” On the licensing round, NNPC clarified that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the conduct of oil licensing rounds and allocation of oil blocks fall squarely within the statutory mandate of NUPRC. The NNPCL’s spokesman said the company welcomes scrutiny of its operations but insisted on the need to set the record straight.